Philippines: Passed Amendments to the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (HB No. 9651) including data protection regulation

On 26 August 2021, the amendments to the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (HB No. 9651) passed the House of Representatives. The objective of these amendments is to enhance the protection of sensitive personal information, expand the scope of data covered, and clarify the criteria for lawful processing. The amendments introduce a revised definition of sensitive personal information, extend the scope of data protection to include data processed outside the Philippines but related to Philippine citizens, and establish guidelines for the lawful processing of personal and sensitive information. Furthermore, the amendments reinforce the rights of data subjects, encompassing the right to be informed, access, object, erasure, and rectification.