Hong Kong’s privacy watchdog has initiated a compliance check on Deliveroo, following the company’s announcement to cease operations in the city, as reported by the South China Morning Post.
The move by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data aims to safeguard the personal data privacy rights of Deliveroo’s customers and delivery riders.
The watchdog is undertaking measures to ensure the proper handling, deletion or transfer of personal data in line with regulatory requirements. This action comes as Deliveroo prepares to leave the Hong Kong market, where it has reported negative earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation since the spring of 2024.
Deliveroo’s departure paves the way for direct competition between Delivery Hero’s Foodpanda and Keeta, another key player in the market. The compliance check seeks to prevent the misuse, leakage or fraudulent use of personal data
The company is transitioning its riders and customers to Foodpanda, along with some restaurants and grocery stores.
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data stressed the importance of the compliance check: “The compliance check has been commenced to ensure that the personal data concerned would not be misused, leaked or fall into the hands of fraudsters for fraudulent activities.”
The watchdog has called on affected parties to reach out with inquiries.
The South China Morning Post approached Deliveroo for a statement regarding the ongoing compliance check but has yet to receive a response.
