Calls for Awareness dominate Data Privacy Day

The Deputy Speaker of parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa is calling for the urgent need to update national legislation on data protection and privacy in a bid to counter potential threats posed by technological advancements.

This in his speech while presiding over the 2024 Data Protection Day celebrations in Kampala under the theme, “Stop, Think, Own your Privacy”.

“The utmost importance of updating the existing data protection laws to align with the rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies.

As we embark on our digital transformation journey, it is crucial that we take practical steps to enhance our data security,” Tayebwa notes.

“Data protection has become an essential aspect of our day-to-day operations. It is a game changer for both governments and businesses, enabling us to cultivate consumer trust and mitigate the risks of identity theft, fraud, and other malicious activities,” he adds.

However, with the quickly changing world where the internet of things is driving the fourth industrial revolution, concerns have emerged over the knowledge and ability to counter this trend to enable that private data is secure.

Stella Alibateese , the National Personal Data Protection Director notes that corporations, individuals and other entities continue to misuse or mishandle people’s private data but key is to inform both the perpetrators and the aggrieved.

“This year our main focus has been on raising awareness amongst the citizens so as to empower them to exercise their privacy rights”, she notes.

The celebrations have also seen the introduction of the braille version of the Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2018, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance Dr.Chris Baryomunsi says will lay a solid foundation for the effective implementation and enforcement of the Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019 while promoting inclusivity and accessibility to ensure that no one is left behind.

In his keynote address, Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire recommends the need for awareness, with view of observance of human rights, on the part of both data controllers and processors, as well as vigilance by data users and subjects