Singapore is considering halting the publication of free telephone directories due to privacy concerns, reports AFP. Concerns about the listing of residential and office numbers has prompted the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) to publish a consultation on whether “it is still necessary to maintain the regulatory requirement for Directory Services.” The IDA notes “increasing public awareness, and concerns, about use and protection of personal data.” Singapore’s Parliament passed a data protection law earlier this month that includes a Do-Not-Call registry, provisions on private-sector use of personal data and the creation of a new enforcement agency, which may fine noncompliant organizations.
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