NPC warns public against sharing allegedly leaked personal data online

The crime can lead to fines or jail time under the Data Privacy Act.

The National Privacy Commission (NPC) has warned the public against viewing, downloading, sharing, or reposting files allegedly obtained through unauthorized cyber access, reminding Filipinos that doing so may carry civil, administrative, or criminal liability under the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

In a public advisory released amid recent reports of alleged cybersecurity incidents, the commission stressed that unauthorized access and dissemination of another person’s personal data could violate existing privacy and penal laws.

“Unauthorized access, use, disclosure, sharing, or further dissemination of another person’s personal data may give rise to civil, administrative, or criminal liability,” the NPC said.

The agency specifically cautioned the public against circulating files, databases, screenshots, or links believed to have been acquired through hacking or unauthorized access.

According to the NPC, even merely possessing, storing, transferring, or distributing materials known to have been illegally obtained may potentially violate other applicable laws, regardless of whether the files contain personal data.

“Persons or entities who may have downloaded, reposted, shared, or otherwise circulated such files or links are strongly urged to delete or remove them to avoid further perpetuation of harm arising from unauthorized access or disclosure,” the commission added.

The advisory comes as conversations surrounding alleged cybersecurity breaches and leaked online data continue circulating on social media platforms and messaging apps.

The NPC also reminded organizations and the public to “handle data responsibly,” implement proper security measures, and uphold every individual’s right to privacy and data protection.

The Philippines’ Data Privacy Act of 2012 protects personal information from unauthorized collection, processing, disclosure, and misuse, with violations potentially punishable by fines and imprisonment depending on the offense.

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