Tanzania urges private sector collaboration on data protection

Arusha. The government of Tanzania has called on the private sector and international organisations to collaborate in safeguarding data, highlighting the importance of addressing privacy violations across various sectors in the country.

Deputy Minister for Information, Communication, and Information Technology, Ms Maryprisca Mahundi, made the appeal during a conference for legal professionals held in Arusha under the theme: "Strengthening Data Protection in the Economy and Various Sectors: Building a Path to Privacy and Security."

Ms Mahundi stressed the need for joint efforts by the government, private sector, regulators and advocates for privacy and civil rights to establish a robust system that prioritises user privacy and shields against digital economy threats and cybercrime.

“A system that respects privacy empowers users to engage freely in innovation, creativity and diverse business ventures, ultimately driving the digital economy,” she said.

She added that the absence of strong data security measures has had profound consequences for both public and private sectors.

“This includes privacy breaches, asset and fund theft, forced labour and unforeseen challenges,” she noted.

Ms Mahundi urged legal professionals to assist the government in mitigating cybercrime risks and enhancing data protection measures for the benefit of citizens.

Welcoming the minister, Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) president Boniface Mwabukusi highlighted the conference's aim of deepening members’ understanding of digital systems and the legal implications of client data protection.

“Data protection demands significant effort and integrity to safeguard clients' privacy rights. However, challenges persist, such as the reliance on paper-based processes for evidence collection and case management,” Mr Mwabukusi said.

He underscored the importance of robust laws and policies to address the secure management and storage of data, particularly in sectors like business, economics and food security.

“While these systems are developed globally, we must ensure they are applied in ways that address our unique challenges,” he added.

Head of the data protection systems unit at the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC), Mr Daniel Sarungi, delivered a presentation on the evolving landscape of data protection.

He emphasised the importance of adapting to technological advancements, from information sharing to evidence collection and presentation.

Mr Sarungi highlighted the need for a "consent system" that empowers citizens to track how, where, and when their data is used.

“The Personal Data Protection Principles Act grants citizens the right to monitor the use of their data. If dissatisfied, they can lodge complaints with the Data Protection Commission for redress,” he explained.

The seminar also aimed to equip lawyers with the knowledge needed to navigate legal complexities arising from technological changes, helping them avoid pitfalls in data protection cases.