Data hk is a comprehensive, interactive, and user-friendly resource for open data available in Hong Kong. It provides access to more than one million open data sets from international, EU, national, regional and local data portals.

The website is organised into categories and can be searched using filters, making it easy to find the data you’re looking for. Each dataset is described, including its licence, format and quality. A full list of available datasets can be viewed, and users can also download the raw data or view the data in various formats such as line graphs and maps.

Modernisation of Hong Kong’s data protection laws is mooted, but until that happens, businesses should be aware of their obligations under the existing framework. In particular, businesses should take care not to share personal data with third parties without express consent. In addition, businesses should ensure that any personal data collected is accurate, stored securely and not used in ways that are inconsistent with the purpose for which it was collected. This is particularly important for data containing an individual’s name and HKID number, which constitutes sensitive information under the PDPO and is therefore subject to higher compliance measures.

Direct marketing practices continue to be a focus of investigation and enforcement action by the Privacy Commissioner, although it is expected that this will decline as more data subjects opt out of receiving unsolicited direct marketing. Companies should also consider the legal implications of engaging contractors or agents to process personal data on their behalf, as this will make them liable for any breach by that contractor or agent in accordance with the PDPO.