Privacy concern over taxi cams

2019.04.29

CONCERNS about the privacy of taxi passengers were raised after taxi camera footage of two local celebrities kissing and cuddling in the backseat was given to a media
organisation and later made public.
The footage of singer Andy Hui Chi-on (許志安) and actress Jacqueline Wong Sum-wing (黃心穎) also sparked debate over whether the government should impose tighter rules to limit
the use of cameras in taxis.
The Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data said leaking footage of passengers that reveals their identity may constitute violation of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.
A barrister said the taxi driver may also have committed the crime of outraging public decency and obtaining access to a computer with a dishonest intent if the taxi is not his.
Lawmaker Jeremy Tam Man-ho (譚文豪) noted there is no law prohibiting taxi drivers from publicizing such footage, and suggested the government to require videos orvoice
recordings from taxi cameras be encrypted and not be disclosed except upon request by the Transport Department or the police.
Hong Kong Taxi Council Chairman Hung Wingtat (熊永達) called for rules to punish taxi drivers who misuse cameras installed in their vehicles.
Former chief executive Leung Chun-ying (梁振英) questioned the legality of the media soliciting for such footage with the promise of monetary reward.