By Irene Gaitirira
Published May 10, 2018
Guidelines that highlight how privacy protection and responsible use of personal data are critical factors in building trust online and in advancing digital economy in Africa have been launched.
The Personal Data Protection Guidelines for Africa that were launched in the Senegalese capital, Dakar, on May 9, 2018, were jointly developed by the Internet Society, a non-profit organisation that promotes the use of the Internet and the African Union Commission (AUC) to facilitate the implementation of the African Union (AU)’s Convention on Cyber Security and Data Protection (also known as The Malabo Convention) adopted in 2014.
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The Guidelines recommend a range of actions for governments, policy-makers, citizens and other stakeholders.
“Lack of appropriate protection for personal data can have a profound impact not just on individuals but also on society at large, to the point of endangering democratic systems,” said Dawit Bekele, African Regional Bureau Director for the Internet Society. “These Guidelines explain how people can take a more active role in the protection of their own data as well as the role that other stakeholders, including governments and legislators, have in ensuring the proper use of data.”
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Urging AU Member States to recognise privacy as a foundation for trust in the digital environment and make sustainable and responsible use of personal data in the digital economy a priority, the guidelines urge citizens who are concerned about their data and privacy to use the Internet and other sources to inform themselves about the risks and benefits of the digital economy or their online activities, understand and exercise their rights, and act, when needed, and to develop their capabilities to protect their interests online.
“The Malabo Convention is the first step towards developing national legislative frameworks for cybersecurity and data protection in Africa. The guidelines launched today provide a path forward for the member states that have signed the convention, and hopefully encourage more countries to join,” says Moctar Yedaly, Head of Information Society Division at African Union Commission.