Singapore introduces trusted data sharing framework – Technologist

Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) recently unveiled a framework that would facilitate trusted data sharing between organizations.

The Trusted Data Sharing Framework includes existing PDPC guides on personal data anonymization and sharing as well as new materials on data valuation for data sharing and sample legal templates to enable contractual data sharing.

“When using the framework, organizations will also be guided through the regulatory considerations, and the contractual, technical and operational safeguards needed in a data sharing arrangement,” IMDA explained.

With the framework, IMDA expects consumers to be more ready to share their data and consequently benefit from more personalized goods and services.

However, while organizations have started to recognize the value of data, IMDA said there are many challenges businesses encounter when sharing data.

These include lack of guidance, methodologies and systemic approaches for data sharing; establishing trust with partners; and ensuring compliance with regulations such as the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA).

When using the framework, organizations will also be guided through the regulatory considerations, and the contractual, technical and operational safeguards needed in a data sharing arrangement, according to IMDA.

“If this results in increasing trust in the private sector and its ability to collect data responsibly, it benefits all of us because we will be able to accelerate our development towards the kind of trusted AI data solutions that we all want,” said Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information Janil Puthucheary at Innovfest Unbound annual technology conference on June 28.

Last May, Singapore’s data protection authorities have also signed an agreement with Hong Kong to strengthen cooperation in personal data protection in the two jurisdictions.

Under the memorandum of understanding, the Hong Kong SAR’s Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) and Singapore’s PDPC 1 will engage in the cross-sharing of experiences, exchange of best practices, joint research projects and information exchange involving potential or ongoing data breach investigations.