Chronicle Editor
Judith Phiri recently in Hwange
THE Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) is conducting road shows across the country to raise public awareness on data rights, obligations of controllers and the role of the data protection authority as part of commemoration of the Data Privacy Week 2024.
The Data Privacy Week began yesterday. It is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about the importance of data privacy.
The week-long programme seeks to shed light on how businesses collect, utilise and at times, exploit personal information hence promoting respect of individuals’ privacy and transparency in the handling of user data.
In an interview during a road show at Mpumalanga suburb in Hwange District, Matabeleland North on Saturday, Potraz Data Protection Unit Cyber security officer, Mr Zivo Chamba, said large corporations are collecting and sharing the digital activity and personal data of millions of people, who remain unaware of this practice.
“The Data Privacy Week empowers users by giving them control over their privacy, educating them about their data privacy rights and how to exercise these rights,” he said.
“It provides valuable information on how to identify if personal information is being used without consent and offers guidance on the necessary steps to prevent data breaches.
“The commemorations also serve as a reminder for companies to cease the misuse of collected data and to take responsibility for how consumer data is collected and utilised.”
Mr Chamba said every activity conducted online leaves a digital footprint and without the user’s knowledge, all sorts of information are collected and shared, including online activity, frequently visited websites, and personal information like identification numbers.
He said Zimbabwe, like many other countries, recently introduced data protection laws to protect its citizens.
“As a result, all data controllers are now obligated to appoint a designated data protection officer. This officer will serve as the intermediary between the Data Protection Authority and the company they represent.
“The Data Privacy Week will provide a platform for privacy practitioners and data subjects to engage in meaningful discussions about important data privacy issues,” said Mr Chamba.
“It is also an opportunity for Potraz to set expectations as the data protection authority and the roadmap for the implementation of the Cyber and Data Protection Act [Chapter 12:07].
“Zimbabwe is, for the first time, joining the international community to commemorate the Data Privacy Week.”
By engaging the community, he said the public had the right to consent to the processing of their data, the right to be informed that their data is being processed and for what use their data will be used for.
Mr Chamba said users also have the right to withdraw their consent to the processing of their data, and the right to have their data corrected if the data held is incorrect or inaccurate, among others.
Ms Fostina Phiri from Mpumalanga suburb said the road show was informative as it empowers them to be aware of their rights.
“We have been made aware that we need to take note of every single activity we do online as it leaves a trace. Whether it is an individual’s online activity, frequently visited websites, or personal information such as identification numbers, may all be collected and shared without our knowledge as users,” she said.
Another resident, Mr Obadiah Mdende said they were now aware that if they have a problem with any mobile network operators over their services, and if they do not get assistance or if their issue is not resolved they can approach Potraz to handle the issues on their behalf.
During the road show in Cowdray Park Suburb in Bulawayo last Friday, Ms Sthembile Mlilo said as the public, they have been empowered to be stringent with their privacy, while ensuring they use strong passwords, avoid sharing passwords and enable two-factor authentication among other things.
The 2024 Data Privacy Week Commemorations are being run under the theme “Taking Control of Your Data.”
Online Reporter