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Raising Awareness to how companies handle with your personal data

  As of 6 July 2018, Bicycle-sharing operator, OBike went into liquidation in Singapore and pull out of operation in Melbourne[1].  Customers not only have to grapple with fear of loss of  deposits, those in Singapore have to deal a potential loss of control over their personal data.[2]
  
  Though there are no loss of personal data yet, this incident only serve to highlight that the onus of handling your personal data lies in your hand.  

There is No Free Lunch in the World, more Apps are harvesting your data

  It is the age of the Digital, where your personal data is of great commercial interest to businesses.  How many times could we truly said that the Mobile App/the amazing game you downloaded is truly free.  The harsh truth is that there is no free lunch in the world.  People need money to make a living.  Companies which do not charge an upfront fee or show any advertising would find ways to monetise, e.g. selling user data. [3]

  Many people are caught by surprised when they were bombarded by spam mail/telemarketer who knew their details.  In serious cases, these sharing may compromise our other accounts, e.g. social media, financial account.

Simple Protective Measure

Good news, protecting yourself is can be as easy as just:


  1. Identifying the company behind the app/facebook app/service.  Are they reliable/reputable?
  2. Reading the Terms of Service, how will they deal with your personal details? Would they be allowed to transfer/sell for ANY Purposes?
  3. Uninstalling apps is not sufficient.  The company would still retain your details on their server. Write in to request for the company to withdraw your consent for them to retain your details, e.g. like MP Mr Iswaran suggested [4].

  
[1] http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-06/bike-sharing-company-future-in-australia-uncertain/9950334


 [2] https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/obike-customers-may-have-limited-legal-recourse-over-any-sale-of-their-personal

 [3] https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/technology/how-to-protect-your-privacy-as-more-apps-harvest-your-data-8836346

 [4] https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/obike-required-expunge-customer-data-unless-legal-business--10517092

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