By Sylivester Domasa in Dodoma
THE government is in the process of drafting a personal data protection law that it says wasn’t intended to curb press freedom and freedom of expression but instead consolidate people’s rights.
Works, Transport and Communication Permanent Secretary, Dr Mary Sassabo, said here this week during a public hearing on the proposed Personal Data Protection Act, 2018, that it intends to empower people with the right of personal identity “but will require all to keep their data.”
“Formalities for the law were delayed by internal and external deliberations,” she said, pointing out that the drafting process started way back in 2009. “This law will provide solutions to problems stemming from rapid technological advancements.”
Dr Sassabo said the nation had witnessed how technology had enabled some people to manipulate information, noting that the law would set procedures and guidance on protecting personal data. “It will also set appropriate procedures for gathering personal information,” she added.
The Permanent Secretary said the law would also play a crucial role in the development process as individuals’ information would be centralised in one single system. She said users would be allowed to access specific information according to available circumstances…
PRIVACY & SURVEILLANCE IN AFRICA 