Observe data protection laws, scribes urged

ZANZIBAR: AS Tanzania moves closer to the general election, the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) has issued a firm reminder to journalists about their legal and ethical obligations to protect individuals’ personal information.

The Commission warned that electoral seasons often witness increased misuse of personal data for political smear campaigns and called on media practitioners to maintain professionalism and uphold the privacy of citizens in all their reporting.

PDPC Director General, Emmanuel Mkilia, issued the caution during a one-day training session on personal data protection, held at the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) offices in Zanzibar.

The session brought together government information officers and members of the Zanzibar Press Club (ZPC).

Mr Mkilia emphasised that personal data tends to be most at risk during political campaigns, where it is often exploited for partisan gain.

He reminded journalists not to confuse data protection laws with political interests and warned against the growing trend of weaponising personal information for political advantage.

“During election periods, some individuals weaponise personal data for political ends,” he said.

“Journalists must understand that the Personal Data Protection Act exists and should not be entangled with political interests.”

He stressed that safeguarding personal information is not merely a legal requirement but also a way of upholding individual dignity and respect, anchored in data integrity.

Dr Mkilia acknowledged the critical role of journalists as the ‘fourth estate’ in society, trusted to inform and educate the public.

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He cautioned that misinformation or negligence in reporting can cause farreaching damage, underscoring why the PDPC has prioritised raising awareness among media stakeholders.

“Technology is crucial, but so is ensuring that personal data remains protected,”

Dr Mkilia said, highlighting Tanzania’s commitment to the growing digital and blue economies sectors that heavily depend on technological infrastructure and, by extension, data usage.

In this context, he added, nearly every form of innovation involves the handling of personal information, making it essential for journalists and public officers to be wellversed in data protection laws.

He also linked data protection to national security, pointing out that well-managed data contributes to secure communication systems and informed economic planning.

He stressed the importance of public trust in the law’s implementation, saying it is key to improving not only national governance but also cross-border cooperation on data handling.

“If the public fully understands this law and builds trust in its enforcement, we can achieve progress not just within Tanzania, but also in cross-border data governance,” he said.

“That is why neighbouring countries are adopting similar legislation to ensure personal data is protected wherever it is stored or processed.”

He urged media practitioners to observe ethical and professional standards at all times, especially in safeguarding individuals’ privacy regardless of political climate.

He further encouraged journalists to serve as ambassadors for the PDPC by creating awareness through their platforms and ensuring responsible handling of personal data in their daily reporting.

“Journalism is a noble profession and data protection is still a relatively new concept in our country. However, with the rapid expansion of digital technologies, its importance has grown immensely,” he said.

“Your understanding of this subject helps build a society grounded in fairness and respect.”

Zanzibar Press Club (ZPC) Chairperson, Mr Abdalla Abdulrahman Mfaume, pledged to act on the insights shared during the session, including the obligation to protect personal data. He underscored the media’s role in educating the public and helping the nation avoid the dangers of data misuse.

He also called on the Commission to extend similar training to the health sector, where, he noted, some medical practitioners unknowingly violate patient confidentiality laws by disclosing sensitive information an action prohibited by both law and the Constitution.