A communication programme is set to raise Government staff awareness of information security and data privacy - including the handling of official documents outside the office, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Frederick Ma says.

Relevant policies and guidelines will be reviewed to address the recent spate of data leaks.

He told lawmakers today government bureaux and departments had reported 14 incidents in the past three years, up to May 22, involving leaks of personal data. These affected 1,900 people in total. During the same period, there were 16 similar cases reported by public bodies involving 44,000 citizens.

Among the 30 cases, seven government departments and public bodies had notified the Police, Privacy Commissioner and the affected people. For the remaining cases, which might involve crimes such as theft or without the people's contact details, the concerned government departments and public bodies had reported to the relevant parties.

Some of these incidents are still under investigation. Mr Ma said preliminary findings blame lack of awareness and/or alertness of the established information-security regulations, policies and guidelines - especially on the use of portable electronic devices and file-sharing software.

He said reminders have been issued to all Government staff, including contract staff.