Obeying data-privacy rules seen giving PHL firms competitive edge

In Photo: Speakers at the Data Privacy Asia conference explain why contact centers need to
comply with data privacy laws to keep their competitive edge. Pictured are Malcolm Crompton
(from left) of ICC, Jojo Uligan of CCAP and Privacy Commissioner Raymund Enriquez Liboro.

IN the information age, compliance to data-privacy and data-protection regulations are considered by organizations as a competitive advantage in their business operations. This was confirmed by contact-center managers and data-protection experts at the recent Data Privacy Asia conference organized by the Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP).

According to CCAP President Jojo Uligan, contact-center clients look for more than just capacity and capability of the work force.

“They also look at the utilization of industry best practices in data and network security, as well as international compliance with data-protection and data-privacy regulations,” Uligan said. “Customer experience is crucial and, as service providers, this what we are focusing on. When customers are aware that their data is secure, this translates to more business for industry.”

Privacy Commissioner Raymund Enriquez Liboro said companies complying with the Data Privacy Act (DPA) of 2012 have a competitive edge when it comes to data protection and privacy. The DPA promotes international best practices in data protection comparable to data privacy frameworks, such as the European General Data Protection Regulation and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Privacy Framework.

“With Asean integration coming up soon, companies in the Philippines need to implement their data-protection and data-privacy obligations not only to keep their existing clients but also assure future growth,” Liboro added.

Malcolm Crompton, former privacy commissioner of Australia, explained that a privacy-management plan (PMP) is essential for organizations, like contact centers, to ensure the longevity and competitiveness of their business.

“With the successful implementation of PMPs, companies can expect increased business, enhanced reputation, more satisfied clients and improved adaptability to change,” Crompton said. “The company’s greatest asset is data. Hence, organizations need to rethink the risks associated with data processing in order to manage them effectively.”

Liboro said organizations that process personal information as part of their operations are required to register their data-processing systems with the National Privacy Commission on or before the September 9 deadline specified in the DPA.

Source: https://goo.gl/PsN6qa