Much as I admire David Webb for his outspokenness and many interesting ideas, I am astonished that he had seen fit to publish online the personal ID numbers of over 1,000 individuals, and called on others to join him in disclosing their ID numbers in social media.
Was he not aware of the increased risk of identity theft, and threat to personal safety and security? [Webb withdrew his post last week.]
In Hong Kong, as in other parts of the world, personal identifiers like ID card and social security numbers are often used as passwords for certain accounts. In the US, leaks of the social security numbers of students by colleges (including Columbia University) led the authorities to not only apologise but also offer payments for fraud prevention.
As for the amendments to the Companies Ordinance, I see no reason why a company director or secretary has to make public his or her full identity card numbers and full residential address. The disclosure of the latter is particularly dangerous, especially if someone uses such data to stalk, harass or harm their family.
Although the public's right to know is important, there is no reason why more information should be collected or disclosed than is necessary for a specific purpose.
The more easily it has become to obtain personal data from public sources and widely disseminate them, the more reason there is for us to ensure their proper use, and that such personal information should not fall into the wrong hands.
Regina Ip, former secretary for security