Data Privacy Day was first convened in Nigeria as an educational event with the goal to raise awareness among businesses. It was also aimed at promoting the protection of personal data. Notably, the event has grown to incorporate individuals and organizations from all sectors over the years.
Nigeria keeps expanding in terms of technology, but the consequences of this growth include cybercrime, data theft, and breaches. This has necessitated all stakeholders to join efforts and develop strategies that will guarantee data protection for every individual.
Data Protection and Privacy Requirements for Businesses in Nigeria
In January 2019, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) issued the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR). NITDA is charged with the responsibility of enhancing data protection compliance in Nigeria. When the 2019 NDPR was issued, it dictated that data controllers and processors in Nigeria should comply with certain obligations.
With the massive shift of most businesses into the online sphere, these regulations couldn’t have come at a better time. Taking an example of online e-commerce sites, you are required to share your card details to complete the payment process. In most cases, there are no means to verify the security measures put in place by such businesses. However, the gambling sector seems to be ahead when it comes to data safety and privacy.
Ideally, the best online betting sites are licensed by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission. These platforms have also incorporated additional security measures such as SSL encryptions. At SBO.net you will find reviews of the best betting sites in Nigeria, which are regulated and are safe to bet at. This website also has comprehensive guides on the legality of betting and has recommendations on safe payment methods.
Continued Success
Since the NDPR was issued in 2019, it has recorded massive improvement as more entities comply with the set rules. For instance, NITDA received 1230 audit filings from different institutions, indicating a whopping 94% growth from 2019 to 2020 filings. This regime has also shown utmost commitment to creating job opportunities. In 2021, 42 more entities were issued with the Data Protection Compliance Organization (DPCO) license, raising the number of DPCOs to 102.
NITDA has stayed true to its oversight function. One of its primary obligations is to enhance accountability among entities. A specific example that exhibits the efforts of this agency was when it imposed a sum of N10,000,000 as a fine on an entity for privacy invasion. This is undoubtedly a huge amount, going down as the highest fine ever imposed by NITDA.
Ideally, it would really come in handy if relevant agencies are steadfast in fighting vices and ensuring that data protection and privacy are upheld. Early on in 2021, NITDA reported that it had saved up to N22.45 bn through IT project clearance, which all links to the organization’s impactful contributions. Within Nigeria has expounded further on this, highlighting how the agency has successfully investigated data breaches in a quest to enhance data protection.
Data Protection and Privacy Trends
Data privacy invasion is a global issue that has seen many countries pass legislation as part of the trend of privacy regulation and enforcement. Countries that amended or enacted data protection laws in 2021 include the UAE, Turkey, Russia, China, Rwanda, and Zambia. More countries are expected to join the bandwagon in the coming years. Their decisions will define their relationships with other countries; therefore, Nigeria must join in the conversation. You can read more on data protection and privacy legislation worldwide on the UNCTAD website.
Privacy tech is another trend that is taking center stage. Companies are under pressure from consumers, stakeholders, and regulators. Hence they have resorted to technology as the tool that will enable them to achieve the set privacy measure. In 2021, new technologies to enhance privacy were launched, and the coming years will see such measures being implemented. The only precaution is that companies must be compliant with the functionality of the new technology and the impending implications.
Global Privacy Controls (GPC) will also gain traction. GPC is a specification designed for internet users to communicate their wishes to their employers, whether their personal data can be sold or shared. They are built as website extensions that you can use to notify the business about your intentions.
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