Hong Kong Privacy Watchdog Issues Warnings to Domestic Workers Over Unauthorized Data Use for Loans

Hong Kong’s privacy watchdog has issued warning letters to three foreign domestic workers for using their employers’ personal data without consent to secure loans, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) announced Tuesday.

The PCPD confirmed that the three domestic workers obtained loans by providing the names, mobile phone numbers, and residential addresses of their employers. The employers were unaware of the transactions and did not authorize the use of their personal information. Since the loans were unrelated to employment, the PCPD determined that the workers violated the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.

Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data Ada Chung held a press conference where she explained that affected employers received calls and WhatsApp messages from lenders or debt collectors, creating undue stress. In one case, an employer was threatened with a home visit by debt collectors if the worker failed to repay the loan by a specified deadline.

Chung emphasized that while many employers recognize the contributions of foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) in their households, unauthorized use of personal data can cause serious distress. All three domestic workers were dismissed after their employers discovered the misuse.

Chung also advised affected employers to report such cases to the government, noting that this could influence future applications by the workers to return to Hong Kong. The PCPD reminded foreign domestic workers to obtain explicit consent before using their employers’ personal data for purposes unrelated to work.

The issue reflects ongoing concerns about loan sharks targeting foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong, many of whom send remittances home regularly to support families. The PCPD’s warning follows reports in 2024 highlighting the vulnerability of FDHs to predatory lending practices.

The Office urged the public to stay vigilant and report suspected violations of privacy laws to help protect both workers and employers.

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