Exclusive | Privacy risks to early users of PayMe mobile wallet app probed by Hong Kong watchdog
One of Hong Kong’s largest e-payment apps, PayMe serves more than 100,000 local and online merchants, from retail shops to taxis across city
Hong Kong’s privacy watchdog is investigating risks to early users of HSBC’s popular PayMe mobile app after the Post discovered some remain unaware their personal details may have been exposed.
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) told the Post on Monday that the compliance review would “look into all relevant issues, including the vulnerability of legacy users and the need for in-app prompts”.
The watchdog said the bank must ensure the highest level of privacy protection by default.
This follows HSBC’s statement users have been able to choose the level of visibility of their transaction history within the app from day one.
One of Hong Kong’s largest e-payment platforms, PayMe serves more than 100,000 local and online merchants, from retail shops to taxis across the city.
At the centre of concern are early adopters of the app’s 3.2 million users who signed up during its initial phase as a peer-to-peer social payment app.