All set for PHL to establish privacy framework–npc

THE Philippines is set to establish an interoperable privacy framework, according to the National Privacy Commission (NPC). “Cross-border data f lows will greatly benefit from an interoperable privacy framework. Now more than ever, the world is witnessing how the acceleration of digitalization is giving way to a rapid increase in the collection, use, and transfer of data across borders,” Privacy Commissioner John Henry D. Naga said in a news statement.

“The Global Cross-border Privacy Rules [CBPR] Forum’s goal of promoting worldwide expansion and uptake of the Global CBPR and Privacy Recognition for Processors [PRP] Systems is aligned with the NPC’S vision of upholding the right to privacy and data protection while ensuring free flow of information,” Naga added.

The privacy commissioner welcomed Philippines’s involvement in improving cross-border data flows and fostering innovation without compromising effective data protection and privacy.

In its Declaration, the Global CBPR Forum stated that it intends to establish an international certification system based on the Asia-pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) CBPR and Privacy Recognition for Processors Systems.

The forum’s system, however, will be independently administered and is separate from the Apec systems.

To ensure that the program is aligned with best practices, the Global CBPR Forum will periodically review data protection and privacy standards of members and provide a forum for information exchange and cooperation.

The Global CBPR Forum is open for the participation of jurisdictions that accept its objectives and principles. The Declaration provides that participating economies in the Apec CBPR System intend to transition operations of the Apec CBPR and PRP systems to the Global CBPR Forum and will provide at least 30 days’ notice to Accountability Agents.

All approved Accountability Agents and certified companies will automatically be recognized in the new Global CBPR Forum based on the same terms of recognition under the Apec CBPR and PRP Systems.

The Philippines became a member economy of the Apec CBPR System in March 2020. The Apec CBPR System is voluntary and accountability-based. It requires organizations to develop and implement privacy policies and practices for all personal information that they have gathered or received that is subject to cross-border transfer to other participating Apec members.