Domestic helpers' privacy

Abstract

Video surveillance of domestic helpers by their employers in order to confirm parental fears of child abuse has recently become topical in Hong Kong, as a result of number of recent instances coming before the courts and reported in the press. The lawfulness of such surveillance is questioned by the author, who argues that the correct interpretation of the 'domestic purposes' exemption in section 52 of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance does not apply to this kind of activity. However, given the very real interests of parents in protecting their children from violence at the hands of domestic helpers, the author argues for the adoption by the Commissioner of Privacy of a code of practice on the subject under section 12 of the Ordinance.