Drivers in Hong Kong will soon have to provide a verified mobile number or email address when applying for or renewing their license. This new requirement, set to begin on November 18, aims to streamline the process of issuing fixed penalty notices by digital means, starting in the first half of next year.
According to police superintendent Nip Hoi-kwan, the transition from paper tickets to electronic forms should not pose much difficulty for people, as society has become accustomed to technology. All the necessary information will be included in the SMS or email sent to drivers, making the process more efficient.
Nip highlighted that this digitalization will significantly reduce the time officers spend on paperwork for penalty notices, cutting it down from around 30 minutes to just 15. This time-saving measure will allow law enforcement to focus on more critical tasks.
To address concerns about data security, Helen Lee, a principal executive officer with the Transport Department, reassured the public that measures are in place to protect the information collected. The Transport Department utilizes government cloud infrastructure services, ensuring a reliable and secure platform for storing personal data gathered through the verification process.
Furthermore, Lee emphasized that the collected data will be promptly transferred to the central system, eliminating the need to store any information on the verification platform. This additional layer of security aims to safeguard drivers’ personal information and maintain their privacy throughout the licensing process.
Overall, the implementation of requiring phone numbers and emails for licenses in Hong Kong aims to modernize and streamline the licensing process while ensuring the security and efficiency of data collection and penalty enforcement. By embracing digitalization, authorities seek to improve the overall experience for drivers and law enforcement personnel alike.