DODOMA: AMID growing concerns surrounding the misuse of personal information, over 700 Private and Public institutions charged with a responsibility to collect and process data have registered with the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) as the December 31 deadline nears.
When launching the commission in April, 2024, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, directed that all data collectors and processors from both public and private entities should register and comply with the personal data protection law before or by December of this year.
Her directives resonated with a proactive stance towards reinforcing data protection laws and fostering a culture of compliance as well as addressing long-standing concerns regarding privacy.
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According to a public notice released by the PDPC, entities falling under the definition of data collectors and controllers are required to register through the commission’s online platform.
Addressing a news conference in Dodoma on Monday, PDPC Director General, Dr Emmanuel Mkilia, noted that the registration process aims to identify and regulate individuals, organisations, or public bodies responsible for determining the purpose and means of processing personal data.
“So far, the President’s directive is being implemented well and over 700 data collectors and processors have complied with the law,’’ he said.
In simpler terms, a data controller is any entity, whether a natural person, legal entity, or public body, that exercises control over the processing of personal data.
According to Dr Mkilia, PDPC in partnership with Hilton Law Group has organised a workshop for Data Protection Officers (DPOs) from across the country seeking to increase awareness on personal data protection.
The workshop is expected to take place at the Superdome in Masaki, Dar es Salaam between 17 and 18 December 2024.
“This workshop will help participants especially collectors and processors of data to understand the importance as well as complying with the data protection legislation and its regulations, as well as getting skills on the best ways to protect data privacy,’’ added Dr Mkilia.
