Octopus CEO resigns after data sharing scandal
05 August, 2010
category: Contactless, Transit
Prudence Chan has resigned as CEO of Hong Kong smart card provider Octopus Holdings after admitting to selling customers’ personal data to business partners, according to iTnews.com.au.
Chan admitted to the deed during private hearings with Hong Kong’s Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data last week, but maintains that Octopus broke none of Hong Kong’s laws. Her resignation, she says, is intended to help the company regain the public’s trust.
Authorities discovered that Octopus’ customers were asked to provide a list of personal details including passport and birth certificate numbers, email addresses, home phone numbers and personal income data in order to join a basic rewards program, which in reality only required the applicant’s name and Octopus card number, said Privacy Commissioner Roderick Woo.
In the meantime, Octupus’ board has approved the appointment of consultancy firm DeloitteToucheTomatsu to review the company’s protection policies, according to iTnews.
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