Banks must be responsible for clients’ personal data —NPC

Raymund Liboro, chairman of the National Privacy Commission, told bankers  that they must see to it that the personal information of clients is kept secure, during the FINTQ on Q roundtable discussion in Mandaluyong City on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017. Photo by Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas, GMA News

Philippine banks must not only be vigilant of privacy security risks but also be responsible in safeguarding the personal information of clients, the National Privacy Commission (NPC) said Thursday.

"The time must come for our mindset to go to the next level, from vigilance to accountability," NPC chairman Raymund Liboro told an audience of mostly bankers during the FINTQ on Q roundtable discussion in Mandaluyong City.

Several breaches of privacy were reported not only overseas but also in the country such as the 'Comeleak' in 2016, and the Uber data breach in November.

"When a personal data breach happens, we are not merely victims but also entities that haul great responsibility," Liboro said.

"The only answer to such threats is resilience—always being aware of threats and risks, being on step ahead," he added.

Liboro said businesses must ensure that personal information of clients is kept secure.

"Any breach of personal information will damage you relationship with your clientele," he said. — Jon Viktor Cabuenas/VDS, GMA News