Data Protection in Singapore Strikes a Balance
A rare sighting of a private action under the Personal Data Protection Act of Singapore offers valuable insight into the uniqueness of the data protection regime here.
A lot of people in Singapore know about the Personal Data Protection Act in Singapore (PDPA). A lot of people also know about the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC). The PDPC enforces the PDPA. The PDPC has a good reputation amongst most Singaporeans for its proactive approach to protecting the personal data of ordinary Singaporeans. To most people, this is the data protection regime in Singapore. Full stop.
Far fewer people (and I dare say professionals too) are aware that there is a "right to private action" hidden somewhere in the PDPA. Section 48O, to be exact.
Now who would want to experience the stresses of litigation , paying legal fees (most of which can't be recovered) and the prospect of losing?