Zimbabweans unaware of data protection laws — Potraz

ABOUT 73 percent of Zimbabweans are unaware of data protection laws resulting in them being exploited by unscrupulous data controllers, the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz), has said.

This emerged during the Cyber and Data Protection Sensitisation and Awareness Campaign workshop in Bulawayo on Monday, which was aimed at unpacking the rights of data subjects in Zimbabwe. The campaign highlighted a significant knowledge gap among citizens regarding data privacy.

A data subject is an individual whose personal data is being collected, used, or stored and a data controller is an organisation or person that determines why and how their data is used. They decide what data is collected, for what purpose and who has access to it. This could be a company, a Government agency, or any other entity that controls data.

In his presentation, Potraz director for the data protection unit, Ms Tsitsi Mariwo, said 73 percent of data subjects are not aware of the laws on data protection while 22 percent have experienced the misuse of personal data at least once.

“From our findings, we gathered that about 73 percent of data subjects are not aware of the data protection laws while 22 percent have experienced the misuse of personal data at least once. The number could even be higher for those who have experienced the situation more than once. We need to be cautious and know our rights,” she said.

Ms Mariwo also urged data subjects to be wary of sharing their personal data with anyone. She urged data controllers to comply with data protection regulations. Potraz manager for advocacy and compliance, Mr Claudius Guvakuva, urged data subjects to exercise their rights and question the motive of data controllers.

“Data subjects need to learn how to question the motive of these data controllers. Simple transparency is critical when dealing with personal information. You have the right to question where and how the information is going to be used and for what purposes,” he said.

Potraz deputy director for advocacy and compliance, Ms Zvichanzii Mugota, urged data subjects to avoid granting unnecessary permission to applications.

“There are times when you download an app and it starts to ask for personal information that has nothing to do with the use of that app. For example, Google Maps asks for access to the microphone and contacts. It does not make sense, but people just allow these apps permission to access their personal information maybe because they think they won’t be able to use the app,” she said.

“You can still use the app without allowing it access to your personal information. Guard your personal information to prevent it from ending up in the wrong hands.”

Permanent Secretary for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Paul Nyoni urged Zimbabweans to be on the lookout for scammers.

“Data protection is a very serious subject. I have received countless phone calls from across the world trying to sell me things but because I’ve been exposed to data protection by attending workshops in other countries,” he said.

“These things happen every day and people make a lot of money from selling people’s personal data. I don’t know how we can completely eradicate this problem, but if we avoid sharing too much personal information we can minimise the problem.”-chroncile