Kenyans should help the government in protecting their data by avoiding careless provision of personal information, Data Protection Commissioner Immaculate Kassait has said.
The commission is undertaking sensitisation programme on Kenyans to fight cases of invasion of privacy which are rampant in the current digital era.
Issues of invasion of privacy occur in form of online theft of money due to hacking.
Some people who use online banking services have had their accounts hacked, leading to loss of their.
There are also invasion of people’s email and WhatsApp accounts, leading to loss and leakage of important data.
Kassait said invasion of privacy in which people have their private and confidential information leaked on social media platforms is a serious matter because of damages they cause to the affected persons.
“Research reveals that such damages occur because some people ignorantly share their personal data. We’re asking Kenyans to avoid careless sharing of personal data to help the government succeed in the fight,” Kassait said.
Speaking during the launch of the sensitisation programme in Homa Bay county at Ligisa Secondary School in Rangwe constituency on Friday, Kassait called for a collaborative work and concerted efforts among the residents for safety of their data.
She argued that damages can be prevented only if people stop sharing their personal data without knowledge of the purpose for sharing them.
The campaign was dubbed ‘Data Yako Jukumu Lako’ (your data your responsibility).
Kassait, who was accompanied by Homa Bay woman representative, Joyce Osogo, said people should be careful when sharing their data.
“Let Kenyans interrogate thoroughly those who ask them their personal data. Decide to give the data only when you are convinced that the information is going to be used for the right purpose,” she said.
The commissioner argued that careful sharing of personal data will prevent incidences of data loss.
Kssait also warned against misuse other people’s data. According to Kassait, misuse of someone’s data can lead to serious legal action.
“The government has the mandate to take legal action against those who misuse other people’s data. There also consequences in giving out other’s data without their knowledge,” Kassait warned.
Kenyans who have been aggrieved by misuse of their data have been urged to report the cases to the office of Data Protection Commissioner so that investigations are done for punitive legal action to be taken.
“Let anybody whose data is misused report to us so that we can take the appropriate legal action. Do not keep quiet when someone infringes your rights through misuse of your data,” Kassait said.
Osogo lauded the campaign saying it will enable many Homa Bay residents and Kenyans know their right on data protection.
“The campaign is meant to make people aware of the data which need to be protected. I’m happy the progamme will enable many Homa Bay people to be aware of their rights to data protection,” Osogo said.