PLDT, Smart Reaffirm Commitment to Data Privacy and Protection

PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) further strengthened their commitment to data privacy and protection of customers’ personal information, in a recent guesting of National Privacy Commission (NPC) Commissioner and Chairman Atty. John Henry D. Naga in an internally produced podcast by the telcos’ Data Privacy Office.

The podcast, entitled ‘Privacy Over Coffee’, is part of a workforce education program that ensures PLDT and Smart employees across all departments nationwide learn about data privacy and protection, through a fun and easily accessible platform in the workplace.

“This is aligned with our goal of implementing the best global practices when it comes to protecting our customers’ data privacy. We have been working closely with the NPC in taking the lead to do what is right by our customers, and in mobilizing our entire organization to put a premium on upholding data privacy in the way we design our systems, processes, products, and services,” said Leah Besa-Jimenez, Chief Data Privacy Officer at PLDT and Smart.

Visiting the Smart headquarters in Makati City, NPC Commissioner Naga joined ‘Privacy Over Coffee’ to talk about PLDT and Smart’s latest initiatives to ensure data privacy across the organization, including the rolling out of the NPC Seal of Registration, on-the-spot compliance checks, and other pieces of training to ensure employees and staff are aware of data protection in stores and other parts of the company that collect personal information from customers.

Sharing his experience anonymously visiting a Smart Store in Taguig, Naga commended Smart for the Seal of Registration he had found displayed in the area and the knowledgeable staff.

“There are instances when you see the privacy seal in an establishment, but the staff do not know what it means. I commend companies that train their staff on how to properly handle data under the rules set by the law,” he added.

PLDT and Smart’s Data Privacy Office also shared it has initiated a hybrid approach to data protection, empowering and enabling business leaders with knowledge on data privacy, ensuring that protecting customers’ data is a shared responsibility of stakeholders -- which NPC Commissioner Naga also recognized as a good approach.

“I am happy with Smart's compliance, especially when collecting and processing consumer data as required by law. However, we will continue to monitor how they sustain their adherence to the best privacy practices. We are also grateful for their support of NPC activities and plans,” Commissioner Naga said.

Earlier this year, PLDT and Smart reaffirmed their commitment to data protection by complying with all the requirements for the NPC Seal of Registration. On the front, PLDT and Smart continue to care for the privacy and security of their communities by implementing initiatives such as SIM registration via QR codes and cybersecurity talks to educate customers. All employees, including store frontliners, also consistently undergo mandatory data privacy refresher courses that require 100% compliance at all levels across the organization.