Privacy Policy

Last Updated: January 1, 2025

Effective Date: January 1, 2025

Hong Kong Labor Insight ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website hongkonglaborinsight.hk (the "Site"), use our services, or otherwise interact with us. This policy complies with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486) of Hong Kong ("PDPO") and the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation ("GDPR") where applicable.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information You Provide

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Complete contact forms or inquire about our services
• Subscribe to our publications or newsletter
• Register for events, webinars, or training programs
• Request research reports or analytical materials
• Communicate with us via email, phone, or other channels
• Participate in surveys or provide feedback

Personal information may include:

• Name and professional title
• Email address and telephone number
• Organization name and business address
• Professional interests and research areas
• Any other information you choose to provide

1.2 Information Automatically Collected

When you visit our Site, we automatically collect certain technical information, including:

• IP address and geographic location (city/country level)
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Referring website addresses
• Pages viewed and time spent on pages
• Date and time of access
• Device information (screen size, device type)

We collect this information using cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 6).

1.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from publicly available sources, professional networks (such as LinkedIn), research collaborators, or academic institutions when relevant to our research activities or professional engagements.

2. How We Use Your Information

We process personal information for the following purposes:

2.1 Service Provision and Communication

• Responding to inquiries and providing requested information
• Delivering research reports, publications, and analytical materials
• Administering events, training programs, and webinars
• Communicating about our services, research, and publications
• Providing customer support and technical assistance

2.2 Research and Analysis

• Conducting labor market research and analytical studies
• Understanding user interests and research needs
• Improving our research methodologies and publications
• Developing new analytical services and resources

2.3 Website Improvement and Analytics

• Analyzing website usage patterns and user behavior
• Improving website functionality and user experience
• Troubleshooting technical issues
• Optimizing content presentation and navigation

2.4 Legal and Administrative

• Complying with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
• Enforcing our terms of use and other agreements
• Protecting our rights, privacy, safety, and property
• Preventing fraud and unauthorized access

3. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

For users subject to GDPR, our legal bases for processing personal information include:

• Consent: You have given clear consent for us to process your personal data for specific purposes
• Contract Performance: Processing is necessary for performing a contract with you or taking steps at your request before entering into a contract
• Legitimate Interests: Processing is necessary for our legitimate interests (research dissemination, website improvement, professional engagement) provided such interests are not overridden by your fundamental rights
• Legal Obligation: Processing is necessary to comply with legal obligations

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information. We may share information in the following circumstances:

4.1 Service Providers

We engage third-party service providers to perform functions on our behalf, including:

• Website hosting and maintenance
• Email delivery services
• Analytics and data analysis
• Event management platforms
• Payment processing (if applicable)

These providers have access to personal information only to perform specific tasks and are obligated to protect it.

4.2 Research Collaborators

With your consent, we may share relevant information with academic institutions, research partners, or other organizations when collaborating on research projects, provided such sharing is consistent with the original purpose of collection.

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose personal information when required by law, regulation, legal process, or government request, or when we believe disclosure is necessary to:

• Comply with legal obligations
• Protect our rights and property
• Prevent fraud or security threats
• Protect the safety of our users or the public

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, reorganization, or sale of assets, personal information may be transferred to the acquiring entity, subject to the same privacy protections.

5. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in jurisdictions other than Hong Kong, including locations where privacy laws may differ from those in your jurisdiction. When we transfer personal data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:

• Standard contractual clauses approved by relevant authorities
• Adequacy decisions recognizing equivalent data protection
• Your explicit consent for specific transfers
• Transfers necessary for contract performance or legal claims

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance website functionality and collect usage information. Cookie types include:

6.1 Essential Cookies

Necessary for website operation, enabling core functions like page navigation and secure area access. These cannot be disabled without affecting website functionality.

6.2 Analytics Cookies

Help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting anonymous information about usage patterns, popular content, and navigation paths.

6.3 Functional Cookies

Enable enhanced functionality and personalization, such as remembering your preferences and choices.

6.4 Managing Cookies

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Most browsers allow you to refuse or delete cookies. However, disabling certain cookies may impact website functionality. For more information about managing cookies, visit your browser's help documentation.

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit using SSL/TLS protocols
• Secure server infrastructure with access controls
• Regular security assessments and vulnerability testing
• Employee training on data protection and privacy
• Incident response procedures for security breaches

Despite our security measures, no electronic transmission or storage system is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your information.

8. Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Retention periods depend on:

• The nature of the information and purpose of collection
• Legal, regulatory, accounting, or reporting requirements
• Necessity for establishing, exercising, or defending legal claims
• Legitimate business interests including research continuity

When personal information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it.

9. Your Rights

9.1 Rights Under Hong Kong PDPO

Under the PDPO, you have the right to:

• Check whether we hold personal data about you and access such data
• Require us to correct any inaccurate personal data
• Ascertain our policies and practices regarding personal data and the types of data held
• Request copies of your personal data

9.2 Rights Under GDPR (if applicable)

For individuals in the European Economic Area, you have additional rights:

• Right to Access: Obtain confirmation of processing and access to personal data
• Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete personal data
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of personal data under certain conditions
• Right to Restriction: Restrict processing under certain circumstances
• Right to Data Portability: Receive personal data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests or direct marketing
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent
• Right to Lodge a Complaint: File a complaint with a supervisory authority

9.3 Exercising Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at privacy@hongkonglaborinsight.hk. We will respond to requests within the timeframes required by applicable law (typically 30 days).

10. Children's Privacy

Our website and services are not directed to individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that a child has provided personal information, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

11. Third-Party Links

Our Site may contain links to third-party websites, including government sources, academic institutions, and research organizations. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or operational needs. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website with a revised "Last Updated" date
• Providing notice through email or website banner where appropriate
• Seeking your consent where legally required

Continued use of our Site after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact:

Hong Kong Labor Insight
Data Protection Officer
21/F, Tower 535, 535 Jaffe Road
Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Email: privacy@hongkonglaborinsight.hk
Phone: +852 3679 4421

14. Regulatory Authorities

If you have concerns about our data processing practices, you may contact:

Hong Kong:
Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data
Website: www.pcpd.org.hk
Complaint Hotline: +852 2827 2827

European Union (if applicable):
Contact your local data protection authority in your EU member state.