Conclusion
Module 4: Data Privacy and Data Protection
As more of the world moves online and increasingly sophisticated new tools for processing personal information become more widely available, data protection is becoming ever more necessary. In the African context, some headway has been made in the passing of 36 data protection laws as well as the coming into force of the Malabo Convention in 2023.(1) However, with the growth and increasing sophistication of technologies and practices related to data harvesting and profiling, legislators are some way behind in fully protecting and promoting data privacy and data protection. As we move forward, digital rights activists have a significant role to play in ensuring that states keep step with data protection developments and enact legislative frameworks that fully protect and promote people’s rights to privacy.
For further reading on this subject, see Module 4: Privacy and Security Online of Media Defence’s Advanced Modules on Digital Rights and Freedom of Expression Online.