The light rail platform display screen will be completely disabled. When waiting for a train on the platform in the future, citizens who want to check the next train can only use the MTR Mobile app.
However, in the application, the terms stipulate that MTR Corporation has the opportunity to disclose anonymous information to "anyone who needs to make disclosure under applicable laws", which makes users worry about privacy issues.
Experts explained that the app can only disclose certain information to a third party.
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner recommends that users should check the permission settings of the program or turn off the positioning function by themselves to protect privacy.
The light rail platform display screen will be completely disabled. When waiting for a train on the platform in the future, citizens who want to check the next train can only use the MTR Mobile app.
(Photo by Yu Ruijing)
Since August 13, 2020, the MTR Mobile app will cover the light rail network with the "Next Train" function. The public needs to download the program to get real-time information on the estimated arrival time of each light rail line.
However, users need to agree to the terms and conditions of use before entering the application program interface, which states that the MTR Corporation can disclose, transfer or transfer anonymous information to "anyone who needs to make disclosure under applicable laws", and it discloses The data content of the program includes the settings and usage settings of the program, such as small text files (Cookies), browsing history, and even the current location of the one-time connection device, which makes the public worry about the privacy and security of the program.
Li Jinhua, the founder of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Corporation, said that according to the literal interpretation of the terms, "anyone who needs to be disclosed by applicable laws" includes all legal stakeholders, such as law enforcement officers such as the police.
Li Jinhua also pointed out that the terms of the information disclosed to third parties in the program clearly include Cookies, which are records of web pages visited and operations performed in the browser.
There are two types of cookies, namely first-party cookies and third-party cookies. The former can record the website displayed in the address bar and store the password settings of the website that has been logged in on the mobile phone, while the latter can record the visited web pages. What products have been viewed to be provided to other websites for advertising purposes.
However, in mobile applications, program developers can only track through advertising IDs, and it is difficult to obtain first-party cookie data.
As for the current location of the one-time connection device stored in the program, will it be disclosed to law enforcement officials?
Li Jinhua explained that as long as citizens do not log in to the MTR program, the MTR party cannot track location history through records, and it is also difficult to restore the identity of the user.
Therefore, relevant information cannot be disclosed to third parties.
Citizens can continue to use the "Next Train" function if they do not turn on the location permission of the device, but some functions are limited, such as the "Drive Guide" function and "Alighting Warning", which cannot display the nearest MTR station where the passenger is. , Or remind passengers to get off at the relevant station.
Citizens can continue to use the "Next Train" function if they do not turn on the location permission of the device, but some functions are limited, such as the "Drive Guide" function and "Alighting Warning", which cannot display the nearest MTR station where the passenger is. , Or remind passengers to get off at the relevant station.
(Photo by Yu Ruijing)
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner reminds users to turn off the location function by themselves
Li Jinhua reminded that if the public is worried, they can choose to remove or not add permissions before using programs that require global positioning system (GPS) network and Bluetooth functions, and they can also turn off "personalized advertising" in the privacy settings on their mobile phones.
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data of Hong Kong also pointed out that user devices using the MTR mobile program will not store location records without obtaining authorization.
The Commissioner’s Office recommends that users should check the permission settings of the program from time to time, and if in doubt, turn off the location function of the application after downloading to protect the privacy of their personal data.
The PCPD also recommends that before choosing to download or use any application, citizens should check their "Privacy Policy Statement" and "Personal Information Collection Statement" to understand what information the application will upload or share.
If in doubt, citizens should remove suspicious and infrequently used applications to reduce the risk of unknowingly leaking personal information.
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MTR will suspend Light Rail platform display screens from next year. Passengers must use the mobile app to check the frequency
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