Padraig Walsh appears on prominent Data Privacy Detective podcast

Corporate Commercial Partner Pádraig Walsh recently had the pleasure of appearing as a guest on prominent privacy podcast Data Privacy Detective.

This is the second podcast that Padraig has recently recorded with regards to data privacy: to listen to the first one where Padraig discusses Hong Kong’s data protection regime, click here.

About the podcast

One country, two systems – that’s the 50-year agreement that led to Hong Kong’s becoming part of China in 1997. This remains an evolution in progress. Hong Kong retains many of its systems independent of the PRC and yet is part of China. What does this mean for data privacy and the rules that apply to business in this powerhouse commercial center?

Padraig Walsh, a privacy leader at the prominent Hong Kong law firm of Tanner De Witt, provides insight into how multinational firms should view Hong Kong for digital services. Hong Kong’s 1996 data privacy law was a pioneer at the time in establishing a legal framework for protecting personal data and regulating companies that handle data flows as controllers or processors. If one asks is it like China’s or the EU’s or the USA’s approach to data privacy, the answer is that it is much more like the EU or USA approach than China’s. It was adopted in the final months of British sovereignty.

This makes Hong Kong’s regulatory system comfortable for multinational firms with data centers and other operations in the territory. The law system remains common law with an English cultural background. The Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data works to enforce the rules without authority to levy large fines or other penalties. The Commissioner has called for additional enforcement powers, but it is highly unlikely that Hong Kong would take the approach of the EU and USA that rely on threats and examples of severe punitive action to encourage companies to protect personal data as required by law. Tune in for a 13-minute tour of Hong Kong’s approach to data privacy.

About Pádraig Walsh

Pádraig’s practice focuses on venture capital and related corporate work. His work encompasses advice on private equity and debt financings, leading on investment negotiations and completion, and preparing documents to implement deal terms. He also advises on the range of common issues for emerging companies, such as corporate structuring, IP licensing, equity incentive plans, and shareholder disputes. He represents both investors, strategics, and founders.

With clients broadly within the technology sector, Pádraig has represented companies within specific verticals of fintech, insurtech, regtech, medtech, edutech, and cleantech. Pádraig’s practice also includes assisting clients on licensing, regulatory and compliance. His experience in this area has enabled him to advise clients on a number of innovative, complex fintech projects. He is at the forefront of advising on legal issues for emerging businesses using blockchain technology.

Pádraig is a mentor, and provides legal training programmes, for a number of accelerator programmes. He is also a regular speaker at various startup events and a blogger on the tech startup scene.

To listen to the podcast, click the orange play button below.