Harare, (New Ziana) – Robust regulatory interventions are fundamental to safeguarding personal data as the digital landscape continues to evolve, exposing individuals to unprecedented risks of breaches and privacy violations, an official has said.
Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) director general Dr Gift Machengete said this while addressing stakeholders during the ongoing Data Privacy Symposium being held in the resort town of Victoria Falls.
Dr Machengete said effective regulations must strike a balance between fostering innovation and protecting privacy.
He said this involves harmonizing global standards, addressing cross-border data flows, and ensuring algorithmic accountability to build a resilient data protection framework.
“We note, for instance, that the proliferation of Artificial Intelligence (AI), IoT devices and 5G connectivity heightens vulnerabilities in data protection,” he said.
“These technologies thrive on data and while we need them to succeed for the betterment of humanity, we are also worry of the threats they pose to data privacy.
To address these risks, we must promote secure-by-design principles, enforce strong encryption standards, and enhance public awareness of digital security.” he said.
Dr Machengete said data protection is a fundamental human rights issue, especially for vulnerable populations such as children and marginalized communities.
He added that targeted policies and initiatives, such as stricter regulations on children’s data and efforts to bridge the digital divide, are crucial to ensuring inclusivity and protection for all.
Dr. Machengete urged participants to take advantage of the three-day symposium to explore in greater depth topical issues around data privacy.
“This presents us, as stakeholders, with a great opportunity to share knowledge, experiences, and ideas as we take stock of our journey as a nation towards strengthening data protection,” he said.
Information, Communication Technology and Courier Services Minister Dr. Tatenda Mavetera on Wednesday expected to officially open the annual event, which brings together ICT stakeholders to contribute their insights and expertise on data protection and privacy rights in Zimbabwe.
This year the symposium is running under the theme “Bridging the Gap Between Technology, Policy, Law, and Practice: Towards Strengthening Data Protection in Zimbabwe.”
New Ziana