How content creation violates people’s privacy

TANZANIA: CONTENT creation is an exciting and dynamic field that allows individuals to express their creativity, share ideas and connect with audiences worldwide.

In Tanzania, content creation is one of the fastestgrowing industries, especially among young people who use various social media platforms to showcase their work.

Content creators have the potential to attract a large audience, gaining significant followings on social media. This increased engagement often draws businesses looking to advertise their products and services, enabling creators to earn income from their content.

Additionally, some social media platforms offer direct financial incentives to content creators once they meet specific requirements, such as achieving a certain number of followers. This has become another avenue for creators to monetise their work.

Online content creators have become highly influential, particularly on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where video content is widely consumed and rapidly shared. Many creators aim to produce videos that quickly gain popularity and influence.

However, the rise of content creation has not been without challenges, especially when it comes to respecting the dignity and privacy of individuals featured in the content.

While much online content is created for entertainment or humour, some content crosses ethical boundaries by exploiting or embarrassing individuals. It is common to see creators recording people without their consent, subjecting them to public ridicule, or mocking them in ways that can cause significant psychological harm.

Examples of such behaviour include posting videos of individuals with unique appearances, physical disabilities, or unusual behaviours without their consent. In some cases, people with disabilities or physical differences have been made the subject of jokes, leading to stress and emotional harm.

The problem is further amplified by the audience’s reactions. Viral content often attracts comments that perpetuate mockery or criticism, increasing the pressure on the individuals featured in the videos.

Embarrassing or harmful content can have long-lasting effects, particularly in the digital era, where online material can remain accessible indefinitely and spread rapidly.

Such practices highlight the need for ethical guidelines and greater awareness of the responsibilities that come with content creation.

ALSO READ: Betting crisis, the allure of easy money

Commenting on the matter, content creator and comedian, Mr Leonard Datus Butindi, popularly known as Leonardo, has highlighted ongoing challenges regarding the lack of awareness and education on personal data protection and privacy rights among both content creators and the general public.

Mr Leonardo emphasised that many people, including content creators, are uninformed about these rights, hence call for increased efforts in education on the subject.

“The key issue is information. Many people lack awareness and education. For instance, if your video or photo is taken without your consent, it’s a violation and you can claim compensation. More emphasis needs to be placed on understanding this concept,” he explained.

He also underscored the importance of strengthening laws related to personal data protection to ensure privacy is respected.

“Some people might violate these laws, because they believe they aren’t enforced strictly, or because those being recorded without consent are unaware of the laws.

As a result, those recording aren’t afraid to break the rules because they see others doing it without consequences.

The ones being recorded suffer but don’t know they can take legal action and claim their rights, including compensation. These laws need stronger enforcement,” he stated.

Mr Leonardo advised content creators to exercise caution and respect privacy and data protection laws, highlighting the potential consequences of violations.

“As content creators, we must understand that this is our profession, but it’s crucial to recognise that not everyone likes being filmed. “Our videos reach millions, so we need consent from anyone who appears in them.

You can’t use someone in your content without their consent or agreement. It’s important to notify the person before creating your content, or if done unknowingly, inform them and get their permission before using it,” he advised.

He added: “It’s neither right nor polite to create content featuring someone’s face without their consent. Legally, you could be sued and fined and if people start taking it seriously, we could face significant consequences.”

Mr Leonardo’s remarks underscore the urgent need for greater awareness and adherence to personal data protection laws, ensuring that both content creators and the public understand their rights and responsibilities.

Responding to the matter, the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) called upon content creators and other groups in the country to put more efforts on understanding the concept of personal data protection and the right to privacy.

The PDPC’’s Head of Public Relations and Communications, Mr Innocent Mungy said that there is a need for content creators to understand these concepts thoroughly, particularly during the creation of their content.

“The commission is urging content creators and other groups to educate themselves about personal data protection and the right to privacy. Article 16 (1) and (2) of our Constitution underscores the importance of privacy,” said Mr Mungy.

He said that the commission has identified widespread violations of privacy rights and personal data by online content creators. As a result, the commission is directing them to stop breaching people’s privacy and data rights.

‘‘The commission has observed significant violations by online content creators and has issued instructions for them to immediately stop this behaviour,” he said.

Mr Mungy further stressed that content creators must comply with and implement the Personal Data Protection Act.

‘We urge every content creator to respect people’s privacy and adhere to the requirements of the Personal Data Protection Act No 11 of 2022 and its regulations,” said Mr Mungy.

He added: “We are planning to meet with various groups, such as MCs and social media influencers, particularly those managing accounts that deal with personal data. The aim is to protect privacy and prevent violations of the Personal Data Protection Act.”