LAWS TO PREVENT INTRUSION INTO PRIVACY OF INTERNET ACCOUNT HOLDERS

Mr Zulkifli bin Baharudin asked the Minister for Communications and Information Technology whether there are plans to introduce laws to prevent Internet service providers from intruding into the privacy of account holders.

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Under the existing Computer Misuse Act, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are prevented from intruding into the privacy of their account holders.

Although the current legislation already offers protection to the Internet users, we recognise that there is a need to formulate a set of clear guidelines for ISPs on the actions which constitute an invasion of user's privacy. The MCIT, together with NCB, TAS and other Government agencies, have already started work to develop this set of guidelines. At the same time, we will also examine the current laws to see if there are areas that need to be improved.

Our goal is to create an e-environment that is safe and secure, so that e-commerce can thrive, and legitimate computer users can use the Internet with confidence.