In a digital economy, data is an asset. It helps businesses understand customers, make decisions more quickly and comply with regulations more easily. Moreover, an effective data strategy results in better productivity and increased revenue and profits. But with so many options for storing and processing data, choosing the right location is key. Luckily, Hong Kong has world-class infrastructure and a wide range of network providers that makes it an ideal data center location.

The GDPR defines personal data as any information that identifies an individual or can be used to identify them. This includes names, identification numbers, location data, online identifiers and factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of a person. The definition of personal data also extends to the history of an individual’s interactions with a company. This is why it is important to understand what information is considered personal data and how it can be protected.

While a number of countries have laws that protect personal data, the GDPR is one of the most comprehensive. In addition to requiring companies to notify individuals of the purposes for which their data is being collected, it requires them to limit the data they collect and not retain it for longer than necessary for the purpose. This law has also created a new standard for the collection and protection of personal data.

Despite the benefits of this legislation, some experts fear that it may have unintended consequences. For example, it may limit the ability of researchers to study trends in medical data, which could negatively affect treatment for diseases. It also could restrict the sharing of personal health data among doctors, which would impact patient care. These concerns should be taken seriously as the implementation of this law gets underway.

Google, along with Facebook and Twitter, paused handling requests from the Hong Kong government for user data as it reviewed the new law. According to the companies’ transparency reports, they previously provided user data in response to hundreds of requests from the government over a year before the new law was passed.

The Hong Kong government is looking at expanding its powers to address a growing problem of doxxing, in which people’s private details are published maliciously. The city’s privacy watchdog said the new law would help tackle this issue and prevent harm to individuals and the wider community. But a coalition of US tech firms warned that the proposed law was overly broad and would deter investments and growth in the territory.

Hong Kong’s data protection laws are generally seen as a model for the rest of Asia. Its Data Protection Principles and PDPO apply to any data user that has operations in, or uses personal data from, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The PDPO is designed to protect the privacy of individuals and promote innovation and economic development. In addition, it provides for a clear and accessible complaint system that allows people to have their rights enforced against data users.