Latest news with #PersonallyIdentifiable
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
No personal data sought from telcos, says Fahmi
KUALA LUMPUR: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is not seeking any personal data of users from telecommunications companies. He said MCMC's recent request to telcos was for anonymised data to support evidence-based policymaking, including for network infrastructure improvements. The data does not contain information that allows anyone to identify individuals. "The data is being collected for the Statistics Department (DOSM)," he said, according to Bernama. "It does not contain any personal information, but rather focuses on trends so that we can gather more detailed information about the quality, level of participation, and number of users in a particular subdistrict or district. "Currently, much of the information on the telecommunications sector is still too general," he told reporters at the Lembah Pantai Umno division's korban event. He said more detailed data would allow the government to better evaluate the needs of the people and reduce the digital gap more effectively. Fahmi said the government has changed its approach from providing general information to Covered Populated Areas (COPA). "So we want to ensure that with the data collected under DOSM, more planning and policies can be evidence-based, leading to greater benefits for the people," he said. Fahmi said the decision was made after MCMC, DOSM, and telcos discussed the matter in a series of workshops since 2023. "So discussions have been ongoing for quite some time, and there is no issue. In fact, I was informed that telco companies will not provide any information containing personal data. "Only anonymised data will, as far as possible, be processed by the telco companies themselves," he said. Previously, MCMC clarified that no Personally Identifiable Information (PII) from telcos had been accessed, processed, or disclosed, following a report by South China Morning Post that the government had requested telcos to submit detailed records of calls and internet use for the first quarter of 2025.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- New Straits Times
MCMC: Mobile data used only for anonymised national statistics
CYBERJAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has clarified that no Personally Identifiable Information (PII) from telcos has been accessed, processed or disclosed. In a statement posted on social media today, the commission said mobile phone data (MPD) collected under its programme is fully anonymised and used solely to produce official statistics to support policymaking in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and tourism sectors. It said the data is limited to aggregate metrics such as active broadband subscriptions and domestic visitor trends by region. "Telcos either process the anonymised data internally or submit it to MCMC without any information that could identify individual users. In both cases, no individual subscriber can be identified," it said. MCMC added that the data programme was developed in line with international best practices, in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science. The initiative reportedly underwent two years of engagement with mobile network operators (MNOs), government ministries and statisticians. A national workshop held in September 2024 included participation from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti), the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac), and major MNOs including CelcomDigi, Maxis, TM Tech, U Mobile and YTL. MCMC said the use of MPD as a new source of national statistics is part of the government's strategy to enhance the quality and timeliness of data for policy and planning. The commission noted that similar models are already in place in countries such as Indonesia and Brazil, where anonymised telecommunications data is used to improve statistical systems while safeguarding user privacy. Earlier today, the South China Morning Post reported that two industry sources confirmed the government had, in April, sent a letter to telcos directing them to submit detailed records of calls and internet use for the first quarter of 2025. The letter, issued under the government's Mobile Phone Data project, reportedly warned that non-compliance would be an offence under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA).
Associated Press
21-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
3rd Degree Screening Enhances Background Check Offerings with Smart Screen™, Powered By Equifax®
3rd Degree Screening, Inc., a leading provider of comprehensive background check solutions, now offers Smart Screen™, a suite of advanced criminal screening solutions by Equifax®. This collaboration empowers employers with a new first step in their background screening workflow that can enable greater efficiency for faster criminal background checks and well-informed hiring decisions. 'In today's competitive hiring environment, speed and efficiency are essential for effective background screening,' said Jimmy Waters, CEO at 3rd Degree Screening. 'The innovative approach to criminal record checks that Smart Screen offers, including leveraging a vast proprietary incarceration data network, allows us to quickly complete screenings for many candidates, enabling faster onboarding for our customers. This aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing clients with the most reliable and efficient screening tools available.' Smart Screen checks for an absence of records in a vast U.S. incarceration data network and an extensive sex offender registry network to deliver instant consumer reports when available, enabling quicker hiring decisions. The expansive incarceration data network covers approximately 185 million records from more than 1,900 county jails and 30 state prison systems, with data updated as frequently as every 15 minutes. When a report is able to be generated it must be used for permissible purposes as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). 'We are excited to partner with 3rd Degree Screening to bring the power of Smart Screen to their clients,' said Bart Lautenbach, Senior Vice President and General Manager -Talent Solutions at Equifax. 'This collaboration will provide employers with the tools they need to help make informed hiring decisions more quickly and efficiently.' 'Smart Screen™ is not just another database search — it's an industry-changing solution. We have extensively tested its capabilities and are confident that it offers an unprecedented level of accuracy, coverage, and speed. Unlike conventional systems that rely solely on name-matching, Smart Screen leverages Personally Identifiable Information (PII) with unmatched criminal coverage. This is a game-changer for the background screening industry and employers. Years from now, we will look back and recognize Smart Screen as a pivotal innovation that reshaped the industry—and we're proud to be at the forefront of this transformation,' said Jimmy Waters, CEO at 3rd Degree Screening. More information about Smart Screen is available here. About 3rd Degree Screening: 3rd Degree Screening is a PBSA-accredited background screening provider committed to delivering fast, reliable, and compliant solutions for businesses across various industries. With a strong focus on accuracy, efficiency, and innovation, we leverage cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships to help employers make well-informed hiring decisions. By continuously enhancing our offerings, we remain at the forefront of the background screening industry, providing employers with the tools they need to streamline hiring, improve turnaround times, and maintain compliance with regulatory standards. Jimmy Waters 712-256-5701
