MWANZA: SINCE its establishment in April last year, the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) has received at least 60 complaints, with cyberbullying being the most common issue reported.
Many of the victims are online loan seekers who, during the loan application process, encounter a requirement to provide or withhold consent for the loan providers to access their personal data.
In many cases, applicants give their consent out of desperation for financial assistance from unknown sources.
Unfortunately, this personal data is often misused, leading to instances of cyberbullying.
“Applicants likely consent because they are in urgent need of money, often from unknown sources. Unfortunately, this consent often leads to the misuse of their data and subsequent cyberbullying,” said Engineer Stephen Wangwe, the PDPC Director for Registration and Compliance, during a capacity-building training for journalists on personal data protection issues.
He further explained that in collaboration with the Bank of Tanzania (BoT), the PDPC is addressing these challenges by taking action against microfinance institutions operating illegally, although this remains an ongoing effort.
Eng Wangwe encouraged the public to utilise the PDPC, which has the legal mandate to address complaints related to personal data protection and can issue judgments on such matters.
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He added that anyone dissatisfied with a decision has the option to appeal in court, with the PDPC continuing to support the winning side at its own expense.
“Complaints can be submitted electronically, which saves both time and money. Once a complaint is submitted, the accused party has 21 days to respond. Afterward, both parties are summoned for a hearing. Mediation is offered first, with the Commission staff present. In some cases, disputes are resolved even before the actual hearing begins,” he explained.
The PDPC Director General (DG), Dr Emmanuel Mkilia, urged the public to continue trusting the commission, which is dedicated to providing swift solutions to data protection-related conflicts, ultimately saving both time and financial resources for those seeking justice.
Dr Mkilia also urged individuals and organisations that have not registered with the PDPC to do so before the extended deadline of April 30th this year.
After this date, legal action will be taken against defiant parties, including penalties and possible jail terms, as stipulated in the Personal Data Protection Act.
“The deadline was originally set for December 30th, last year, but has been extended. Mwanza is particularly behind, with only 20 institutions registered so far, despite the presence of many private and public institutions across sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture and even guesthouses,” said Dr Mkilia.
