Tanzania warns against installation of surveillance systems in private places
Tanzania’s Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) has warned all institutions in the country against installing surveillance cameras in private places.
The commission said in a statement released on Monday the move does not comply with Tanzania’s personal data protection laws and regulations.
‘’It has come to our attention that there have been instances of placing cameras in private places such as toilets, which constitute a serious breach of privacy and strictly prohibited by law’’ the statement read.
‘’All institutions and companies are reminded to adhere strictly to the Personal Data Protection Act No.11, 2022 and its regulations when installing surveillance systems on their premises’’
The Personal Data Protection Act No. 11 of 2022 was passed on 1 November 2022 as a recognition of the right to privacy and personal security enshrined under Article 16 of the Constitution of Tanzania. The Act sets minimum requirements for the collection and processing of personal data in Tanzania.
The Act also established a Personal Data Protection Commission whose responsibility is among other things is monitoring the compliance of data collectors and processors.
According to the Act, a person may also file a complaint against a data collector or processor who has violated the principles of personal data protection. Unconsented disclosure of personal data by an individual shall constitute an offence punishable by a fine of approximately $43 and not more than approximately $8,600) or imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years.
In some instances, the Act says both a fine and imprisonment may be imposed. For corporates, the Act imposes a fine of approximately $430 and not more than $2,127,700 for unconsented disclosure of personal data.
‘’We urge all organisations and entities to conduct a thorough review of their surveillance practices and ensure they’re in full compliance with Personal Data Protection Act and Regulations’’ the commission added.
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