Practice Transparency with Responsibility when Posting SAP Beneficiaries on Social Media
The National Privacy Commission is urging local government authorities to practice transparency with responsibility when posting the identities of the financial beneficiaries of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) on social media.
We understand that using social media platforms is a quick and accessible method to reach the public and uploading the list of SAP beneficiaries through these platforms may be considered an efficient way to exercise transparency in utilizing public fund.
However, public disclosure of personal information should strictly adhere to the principle of proportionality. Local Government Units (LGUs) must determine the types of personal data that they will disclose, particularly when the original list of SAP beneficiaries contains sensitive personal information.
The Data Privacy Act does not prohibit LGUs to disclose information which it deems essential for the public to know in the name of transparency. Nevertheless, LGUs should be mindful of its concomitant responsibilities as personal information controllers.
***
