An undated file photo shows a view of one of the Social Welfare Department’s social security units, in Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

HONG KONG – The Social Welfare Department apologized on Tuesday after one of its staff members “improperly copied” to the internet the English names of 1,300 applicants for a subsidy scheme.

The SWD said it has written to the individuals affected by the incident and contacted them by phone to explain what happened

The SWD said in a statement that the staff member has been fired and the incident was reported to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data.

The information involved contained no other identifiable personal information such as identity card numbers or dates of birth but the department reminded individuals concerned to take precautions to prevent fraudulent acts.

The SWD said it has written to the individuals affected by the incident and contacted them by phone to explain what happened.

The department also reminded its staff to comply with guidelines and exercise due care in handling personal information of members of the public, according to the statement.