Morocco leads new Islamic network for personal data protection

Thursday 20 February 2025 - 16:30

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco leads new Islamic network for personal data protection

Morocco has assumed the presidency of the newly established Islamic Network of Personal Data Protection Authorities, with Omar Seghrouchni, president of the Moroccan National Commission for the Control of Personal Data Protection (CNDP), at its helm. This milestone was announced on February 19 in Fez, marking the conclusion of the network’s inaugural meeting.

The constitutive meeting, held on February 18 and 19 in the spiritual capital of Morocco, brought together representatives from personal data protection authorities across several African, Asian, and Maghreb nations that are members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Ana Brian Nougrères, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Privacy, was also in attendance.

Turkey has been entrusted with the network’s permanent secretariat, further solidifying its role in the new initiative.

In a statement to the Moroccan Press Agency (MAP), Omar Seghrouchni highlighted that the establishment of this network builds on discussions initiated during a meeting held last year in Istanbul. These discussions culminated in the decision to organize the founding assembly in Fez.

The Fez meeting served as a platform to finalize key elements of the network, including its name, logo, and foundational charter. Participants also deliberated on the formation of working groups to guide its activities. Seghrouchni praised the “qualitative and significant” participation of attendees, noting the constructive and serious atmosphere that enabled consensus on pending issues.

The network’s creation reflects a collaborative effort among African, Maghreb, and Asian nations. Seghrouchni emphasized that future discussions will expand virtually to include additional countries. He clarified that the network was not formed by OIC member states as a whole but rather by the personal data protection authorities of those countries, many of which lack dedicated legislation or regulatory bodies in this domain.

Mamoudou Samassekou, president of Mali's Personal Data Protection Authority (APDP), expressed gratitude to the CNDP and Morocco for their hospitality and exceptional organizational efforts. He lauded Morocco’s leadership in ensuring the successful launch of the network.

The meeting also appointed nine members to the network’s executive committee, including four from Africa, three from Asia, and two representing Europe and the Americas.

Building on discussions from the Istanbul meeting, the Fez gathering addressed critical topics such as safeguarding personal data in the era of artificial intelligence and digital transformation. Participants explored ways to strengthen cooperation among member countries to ensure the secure flow of data while respecting human rights, cultural values, and economic considerations.