Faith Ncube
Zim GBC News Reporter
THE Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) will this week carry out a Public Sensitization and Awareness workshops on the Cyber and Data Protection Act across the country.
The POTRAZ Director General, Dr. Kalisto Masendeke said this initiative is a move set to educate the citizens on their rights of the components encompassed in the Cyber and Data and Protection Act.
“Potraz is organising public sensitization and awareness workshops across the country to educate data subjects about their rights as enshrined under the Cyber and Data Protection Act [Chapter 12.07], beginning with Harare Province on 20, 22 and 27 June 2023.” Dr. Masendeke said.
The POTRAZ Director further stated that the Cyber and Data Production Act is in a bid to empower individuals over their personal information, thereby barring cyber bullying which has been ravaging the society.
“To ensure personal data is protected from abuse or manipulation, Government has enacted the Cyber and Data Protection Act [Chapter 12.7]. The Act ensures that individuals have better control over their personal information and that such information is processed for a legitimate purpose and in lawful, fair and transparent manner.” He added.
Several prominent figures have succumbed to Cyber bullying such as Tinopona Katsande whose career dilapidated when her sex-tape was leaked, Miss Zimbabwe 2015 Emilly Kachote was dethroned after her nudes resurfaced online.
Due to this continuation of cyber bullying, the government has imposed Cyber and Data Protection Act [Chapter 12c:07] . This Act aims to increase cyber security in order to build confidence and trust in the secure use of information and communication technologies by data controllers, their representatives and data subjects.
This Act provides data protection with due regard to the Declaration of Rights under the Constitution and the public and national interest, Data Protection Authority as well as creating a technology driven business environment.
Since its introduction in 2020, critics view the act as a way for Government to reign and spy on opposing voices through internet using the law.
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