By Pempho Nkhoma
Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), on Tuesday, commemorated Data Privacy Day at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre with the aim of raising awareness about privacy and data protection.
Speaking at the ceremony, Director General for MACRA, Daud Suleman emphasized the need for prioritizing data privacy saying that as the world is going digital, the rate of cybercrimes is also increasing.
“As MACRA, we must protect Malawians. Now that many things have gone digital, we need to know how to protect our data. Do not just provide your data to anyone because people can use that when committing crimes,” he said.
Suleman, therefore advised the general public to be responsible when using digital platforms especially the internet to make it a safe space.
“It is important for all of us to move together because this is a new space. It is a new phenomenon everyone is learning but as we learn we must be aware that we live in a global village. We cannot lag; we must attain the same standards that our friends are at,” he added.Head of Data Protection at Macra, Daniel Chiwoni, said due to technological advancement, data privacy and protection are critical now, citing that more aspects of peoples lives have switched to online.
“Now it is very critical that we safeguard information. That is why we dedicate ourselves to raise awareness about the importance of privacy and data protection. Our goal is to equip individuals and organizations with knowledge and tools to make sure that personal data is carried responsibly and securely,” he said.
This years Data Privacy Day was commemorated under the theme Put privacy first and it started with a big walk from Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) to Kamuzu Stadium.
