Strengthening data privacy: CNDH calls for enhanced regulations and digital literacy

Tuesday 28 January 2025 - 09:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Strengthening data privacy: CNDH calls for enhanced regulations and digital literacy

Amina Bouayach, President of Morocco’s National Human Rights Council (CNDH), has underscored the urgent need for robust regulations and increased digital literacy to address growing concerns over data privacy breaches. Her remarks came during the Personal Data Protection and Respect for Private Life Week, an event organized by the National Commission for the Protection of Personal Data to mark the International Day for Personal Data Protection, observed annually on January 28.

Bouayach emphasized that safeguarding personal data is a cornerstone of the right to privacy and the protection of individuals’ private lives. “It is one of the fundamental rights essential to preserving human dignity and protecting basic freedoms,” she stated. She further explained that the concept of privacy has evolved to encompass the protection of personal data, particularly in an era marked by rapid digitization.

The CNDH President highlighted the pressing challenges posed by the misuse of personal data, including the unauthorized exploitation of intimate details online, often targeting vulnerable groups such as women and children. “This necessitates stronger protections against exploitation, targeting, or manipulation,” she asserted. Bouayach called for heightened digital literacy and public awareness campaigns to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to secure their data effectively.

Amid increasing demand for personal data usage, Bouayach acknowledged the potential conflicts between data protection and other rights, such as freedom of expression and access to information. “In some cases, the public interest may complicate the balance between these rights,” she noted. She stressed that personal data protection remains one of the most significant challenges facing Morocco’s human rights framework in the digital age.

While recognizing the transformative potential of technology in advancing rights and freedoms, Bouayach warned of the risks posed by its misuse. “We must adopt legal measures that protect victims and ensure media adherence to ethical standards, including in online journalism,” she said. She also called for collaboration with national and international institutions to foster transparency in technology design and usage.

Bouayach concluded by advocating for data processing practices that are temporary, voluntary, and purpose-driven, with clear guarantees that data is deleted once it is no longer needed. Her remarks reflect the CNDH’s commitment to addressing the complexities of data privacy in an increasingly interconnected world.