Business groups urge suspending Data Privacy Act, NPC opposes

Business groups are urging the government to suspend the Data Privacy Act (DPA) to ease contact tracing and improve quarantine facilities, arguing it will save money.

The National Privacy Commission (NPC) opposes this move, stating that suspending DPA disregards expert opinions on privacy rights and could lead to discrimination against those infected.

Privacy Commissioner Raymund Liboro noted there is no scientific proof that publicly naming Covid-19 positive individuals decreases transmission and emphasized respecting patient privacy builds trust and better communication.