african network of data protection authorities

What is the African Network of Data Protection Authorities?

If you work in data protection, then you’ve probably heard of the African Network of Data Protection Authorities (ANPDPA). But what is it, and what does it do? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the ANPDPA and its role in data protection in Africa. Stay tuned!

African Network of Data Protection Authorities

The Network of Data Protection Authorities in Africa is a continental network of national data protection authorities across the continent. Africa DPA Network was launched in May 2015 during a meeting of data protection authorities. This is from 11 countries that took place in Accra, Ghana, under the umbrella of the African Network of Public Loss Assessors and Auditors (ANPALA).

The Network was launched to promote and protect the right to privacy and personal data protection across Africa. It aims to exchange information, experiences, and expertise in the field of data protection. Also, to provide mutual support in areas such as research, training, and capacity building.

It also aims at strengthening cooperation between data protection authorities. That is across the continent to ensure that data protection is effectively enforced in Africa. The Network recognized the need for a common approach to privacy and data protection in Africa.

Moreover, it will also serve as a platform for the engagement of various stakeholders. This includes regulators, businesses, civil society, and individuals. Membership is open to all African national data protection authorities.

Privacy Enhancing Technologies

The Network is looking forward to intensifying its cooperation with Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PET) communities across the continent. For this purpose, the Network organized a workshop on Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PET) in Accra, Ghana, in May 2016. The workshop was attended by national data protection authorities.

This is from 10 African countries, including Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, and the host country Ghana. It was also attended by experts from Nigeria and South Africa. The workshop had three key objectives:

So, the workshop highlighted the importance of PETs to combat the growing threat of data breaches. Also, the participants discussed issues such as anonymity and pseudonymity in the context of law enforcement and security investigations. Also, they talked about the need for developing a legal framework for the use of PETs in Africa.

The workshop was supported by the European Union delegation to Ghana and sponsored by Privacy International.

Privacy in the Digital Age

The Network is working on the publication of a report on privacy and data protection in Africa. The report is expected to provide an overview of issues relating to privacy. Also, to identify key challenges that exist in the continent.

It is set to include sections on national data protection laws, privacy policies, as well as legal and regulatory frameworks for PETs. So, the report will also include information on the various data protection authorities across Africa. Also, it includes recent developments in the region.

So, the Network has also started working on a research project that focuses on privacy issues in digital media. The project aims at mapping out existing privacy policies and mechanisms for protecting personal data across Africa. Also, the research will assist national data protection authorities to intake more informed decisions relating to enforcement and compliance with privacy laws in the continent.

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