NPC: 3 lending apps invading privacy

The NPC gave the three companies and their directors 10 days to respond to the charges. #intrusivedataprocessing #mobilelendingapps #NPC

Privacy Commissioner Raymund Enriquez Liboro. (NPC)

Mobile apps of three online lending firms were allegedly accessing without permission the phone directory, camera, location and storage of their customers’ smartphones in violation of the Data Privacy Act, according to the National Privacy Commission (NPC).

The Fynamics Lending Inc., Unipeso Lending Company and Fcash Global Lending Inc. also allegedly used without consent customers’ personal information for harassment and threatening communications, for disclosure to other persons, and for unauthorized processing, the NPC said citing findings of its investigation of complaints against the online lenders that were revealed in a press briefing on Friday.

The NPC gave the three companies and their directors 10 days to respond to the charges.

The agency conducted the investigation on the online apps PondoPeso of Fynamics, Cashlending of Unipeso and Fast Cash of Fcash after receiving 921 complaints reporting the said illegal access of customers’ data.

“If the Directors and these companies fail to answer, this Commission will render a decision based on available evidence. These companies may face possible stop processing orders. Criminal prosecution may also be recommended against its directors before the Department of Justice with possible maximum imposable penalties of up to 7 years imprisonment and fines of up to P5,000,000.00,” warned Privacy Commissioner Raymund Enriquez Liboro.

Liboro was referring to Fynamics officers Meng Li, Changjin Wang, Kwinnie Mae Fianza, Jacquielyn Chua Garrido, Helen Joy Amican de Luna, and Bernard B. Salvacion, Jr.; Unipeso’s Haolong Li, Guanqun Luo, Flordeluna Rosell, Rizza Mae Lorilla, and Renyvic Duquitan; and Fcash’s Kellon De Jesus Manalastas, Tiancai Huang, John Christian P. Sia, Jovy Co Ting, and Zichao Su.

“This Commission is ready to assist complainants and those with similar concerns. We will exert all efforts to put a stop to this unethical and illegal processing of personal information by the operators of online lending mobile applications,” said Liboro.

Meanwhile, the NPC chief cautioned the people from downloading mobile apps, particularly online lending apps.

“Please read the terms and conditions carefully, for they may include dangerous permissions such as access to your live location, phone books and social media account, and even camera control. We encourage everyone to responsible for our safety, security, and protection of our personal data,” said Liboro.