The National Privacy Commission (NPC) has called Grab Philippines to address the privacy concerns relating to the launch of their new passenger verification system and in-car audio and video recording pilot test.

“We understand that Grab designed their new systems as additional security to both drivers and passengers. But to avoid serious breaches of privacy, the Commission must ensure that their new system is compliant with the Data Privacy Act and adhering fully to the principles of transparency, proportionality, and legitimate purpose,” said Olivia Khane Raza, chief of the NPC’s Compliance and Monitoring Division.

The NPC required the data protection officer of Grab Philippines to present today (Jan. 15, 2020), documents demonstrating their compliance with the law including, among others, their Privacy Manual, Privacy Impact Assessment reports, and Privacy Notices for the passenger verification system and in-car audio and video recording pilot test.

Grab has been implementing the verification in other countries in Southeast Asia since last year.

There was a news report earlier this week regarding Grab’s plans on recording every ride.