TAB commends PDPC’s training on personal data protection
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Association of the Blind (TAB) has received introductory training on personal data protection as part of the efforts by the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) to ensure that every Tanzanian understands the Personal Data Protection Law and complies with its provisions.
Speaking during the training session, the Chairman of the Tanzania Association of the Blind, Omary Hamisi Itambo, expressed gratitude to PDPC for agreeing to conduct the training, noting that it is highly important for people with visual impairments.
“We sincerely thank the Director General of PDPC, Emmanuel Mkilia, for accepting our request to organize this special training for us. You have come at the right time, and we will gain a better understanding of how personal data protection should be observed, especially for people with visual disabilities. This initiative ensures that our visual impairment does not become a reason for us to lag behind in national matters, including complying with the requirements of the Personal Data Protection Law,” he said.
He also used the opportunity to request the PDPC Director General to make the training on the concept of personal data protection continuous, emphasizing that the current beneficiaries represent only a small group among many visually impaired people across the country.
“Dr Mkilia has acted in line with the spirit of love and inclusiveness demonstrated by the President, who directed leaders to listen to people with disabilities and address their challenges. PDPC has begun implementing that directive,” he added.
He further explained that the group attending the training consisted of representatives of visually impaired people and appealed to the commission to continue providing such education so that more people can understand their rights regarding personal data, how it should be protected, and the benefits of doing so.
“There are many regions, especially those on the periphery such as Katavi, Kigoma, Rukwa, and Mbeya, that would greatly benefit from this education. We also request that cooperation between PDPC and TAB be strengthened by organizing these trainings at least two to three times a year. The world we live in today is digital, and many mistakes occur through online platforms,” Itambo said.
Taking into account the needs of people with visual impairments, PDPC plans to make the Personal Data Protection Law and its regulations available in Braille format. This initiative will enable visually impaired individuals to read and better understand the law and how it is implemented.
