Ficha uchi, a changing data governance and how to keep yourself safe
Welcome to our nineth #MembersKikao on Ficha uchi, a changing data governance and how to keep yourself safe to be held on Zoom on 08 Nov 2023, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
Kenya has a rapidly growing digital economy, with more than 90% of the population accessing the internet on mobile devices. The advent of the internet and digital communications technologies has distinguished the 21st century as one of the most liberating times of human existence by fostering transparency, freedom of expression, and access to information. However, while the internet has many benefits, we cannot ignore that it poses significant risks to young people in terms of their data privacy, digital rights and online safety.
The rapid advancement of technology and the widespread use of the internet have significantly increased the importance of data governance and online privacy. Kenyan youth, like their counterparts worldwide, are active users of online platforms, social media, and various digital services. As they navigate the digital landscape, it is crucial to understand their perspectives on data governance and online privacy to ensure their rights and interests are protected.
This discussion will highlight some of the key digital rights and online safety concerns facing young people and children in Kenya:
- Lack of Awareness on the Right to Privacy: Most Kenyans remain unaware of the Right to Privacy and even where they are familiar, there is a limited understanding on how it applies. In the context of the digital acceleration being witnessed in Kenya, understanding the Right to Privacy is a vital first step to data protection.
- Lack of Personal Responsibility on Privacy and Data Protection: Most Kenyans, especially children and young people remain particularly at risk of having their personal data collected and used by companies without their knowledge or consent as the primary stakeholders in the digital environment, despite this, most young people and children still lack a personal responsibility toward their own data protection and online privacy.
- Lack of Awareness on Data Protection Legislation: Most Kenyans are unaware of the Data Protection Act, 2019 and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner and therefore are unaware of what to do in the event of data breaches and violations.
- Lack of Awareness on Technical Tools: Many mobile phone and internet users in Kenya remain unaware of the inbuilt tools which they can leverage on their devices and on the internet to bolster their privacy and protect them from excessive and exploitive data mining
The key speaker is Chepkoech Rotich, Amnesty Kenya Digital Rights Programme Officer and moderated by Victor Ndede, Amnesty Kenya Digital Rights Manager
Join us as we delve into this critical topic.
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