Bangkok Post – Local branches ‘main source’ of data leaks

According to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES), local administrative organizations (LAOs) are responsible for the worst cases of data protection leaks among all government agencies.

The ministry conducted checks at 31,561 government institutions to determine how much personal data of citizens was leaked between November last year and July 31.

It identified 6,086 cases of such data leakage and managed to alert 6,081 units and authorities and recommend them to take action, said DES Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong.

The audits were conducted by the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) Eagle Eye Centre, which monitors misuse and breaches of personal data protection.

Mr Prasert noted that the number of data leaks at government agencies had already improved significantly, from 31% of personal data stored monthly last November to just 1.6% at the end of July.

Most of the data leaks come from LAO personnel, accounting for 2,850 out of 6,086 cases. During the review period, there were also 139 cases of state agency officials illegally selling citizens’ personal data.

The Cyber ​​Crime Investigation Bureau has launched an investigation and arrested eleven suspects on suspicion of data theft.

The DES Minister said the ministry has instructed the PDPC to educate the population on the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and to continue to monitor for further leaks of personal data by government agencies.

These authorities must earn the public’s trust in their ability to protect personal data through appropriate legal measures, he said.

Mr Prasert added that overall there are signs that personal data sharing is declining, but data leaks are still common among government agencies responsible for providing public services.

The ministry has pledged to proactively combat the misuse of personal data in the private and public sectors.

State authorities that allow such information leaks or abuses under their supervision will face legal consequences and a fine under the PDPA Act, the DES minister said.