Draft bill on data protection commission targets August deadline

Taipei, Feb. 2 (CNA) A bill drafted to set up a Personal Data Protection Commission will be sent to the Legislature for review in the coming months, to establish the independent body by the August deadline set by the Constitutional Court, an official told CNA.

The draft bill to provide the legal grounds for the commission's authority to oversee matters under the Personal Data Protection Act will be finalized once personnel issues are clarified, said Li Shih-teh (李世德), director of the Preparatory Office of the Personal Data Protection Commission.

The finalized version of the bill will need Cabinet approval before it is sent to the Legislature to be reviewed by lawmakers prior to the commission being formally set up by Aug. 11, Li told CNA in a recent interview.

Li said the preparatory office's current goal is to ensure the timely establishment of the independent body.

The planned establishment of the commission is part of the government's response to a Constitutional Court judgement on Aug. 12, 2022, which required data protection legislation to include an independent oversight mechanism within three years.

Meanwhile, the public consultation period of a proposed amendment to the Personal Data Protection Act will conclude on Feb. 18. Future changes to the act would include the designation of an individual in charge of personal data protection in government agencies and private organizations.

The proposed amendment also stipulates that government agencies and private organizations are required to notify parties involved in data leaks, thefts or incidents that could adversely impact them, as well as the authorities.

Li said that the commission will deal with closely watched personal data protection issues, such as the issuance of digital identification cards.