National Cancer Centre Singapore apologizes for email privacy breach

The National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) has issued an apology following an administrative error that exposed the personal details of 467 individuals. The incident occurred on September 18 during the distribution of an email invitation for a ‘Living with HBOC’ event, which focuses on hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome.

Due to the failure to use the blind carbon copy (BCC) function, recipients were able to see the email addresses of other invitees. In some instances, the use of workplace email addresses allowed for the identification of recipients' names and places of employment. This exposure potentially revealed the medical associations of the individuals to other recipients.

NCCS Chief Operating Officer and Data Protection Officer Chong Pang Boon stated that no NRIC numbers, phone numbers, or other sensitive personal data were compromised. The centre has requested that recipients delete the email and refrain from circulating the exposed contact information. The incident has been reported to the Ministry of Health and the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC), which is currently investigating the matter.