Singapore: Filed Appeal against Singapore High Court ruling on PDPA right of private action in Reed v Bellingham

On 4 April 2022, the respondent (Alex Bellingham) filed an appeal against the Singapore High Court ruling (2021 SGHC 125). In the case, Alex Bellingham, a former employee of the plaintiffs, used the clients' names, personal email addresses and investment information without their consent. The former employer, together with one of the affected clients, brought an action under section 32(1) of the PDPA. In particular, the Court of Appeal held that emotional distress is sufficient to constitute the "loss or damage" required for a private action under section 32(1) of the PDPA. The Singapore High Court held that loss or damage is required to bring a private action against an organisation for a breach of the PDPA, and that mere loss of control over personal data or distress caused by such loss of control is not sufficient.