Understanding the purpose, scope of the cyber and data protection licensing regulations in Zimbabwe
FUNGAI CHIMWAMUROMBE AND NONTOKOZO MOYO
On the 13th of September 2024, the government of Zimbabwe promulgated Statutory Instrument 155 of 2024 Cyber and Data Protection Licensing Regulations with the purpose of outlining the framework for the appointment of Data Protection Officers.
The cyber and data protection licensing regulations in Zimbabwe are designed to address the growing concerns around data privacy, cybersecurity, and the overall protection of personal and sensitive information in the digital landscape.
At the backdrop of these regulation is the need to scale up the existing data protection and cyber security in Zimbabwe as envisaged in the Cyber and Data Protection Act [Chapter 12:07].
Below is a detailed overview of the purpose and scope of the said regulations:
Purpose
Data Privacy Protection-The regulations aim to safeguard personal data from misuse, ensuring that individuals have control over their own information.
Cybersecurity Enhancement- By establishing security protocols, the regulations seek to protect organizations from cyber threats and data breaches.
Regulatory Compliance -They provide a framework for organizations to comply with national and international data protection laws, which is essential for fostering trust among consumers and businesses.
Promoting Digital Economy- By ensuring data security and privacy, the regulations help build a conducive environment for the growth of the digital economy in Zimbabwe.
Awareness and Education- The regulations also focus on raising awareness about data protection rights and responsibilities among citizens and organizations.
Scope
Applicability-The regulations apply to all entities that collect, process, or store personal data, including government bodies, private companies, and non-profit organizations.
Data Subject Rights-They outline the rights of data subjects, including the right to access, rectify, and delete personal data.
Data Processing Guidelines- Organizations must follow specific guidelines on how to collect, process, and store data, ensuring that practices are transparent and lawful.
Data Breach Notifications- The regulations require organizations to report data breaches to the relevant authorities and affected individuals within a specified timeframe.
Licensing and Accountability- Entities must obtain licenses to operate in areas involving data processing, and they are held accountable for adhering to the regulations.
Penalties for Non-Compliance- The regulations stipulate penalties for organizations that fail to comply, which can include fines and other sanctions.
Conclusion
The cyber and data protection licensing regulations in Zimbabwe aim to create a safer digital environment by prioritizing the protection of personal data and enhancing cybersecurity measures. The recently promulgated regulations for the appointment of Data Protection officers is crucial in fostering trust in digital transactions and promoting the responsible use of technology across the country.
Fungai Chimwamurombe is a registered legal practitioner and Senior Partner at Zenas Legal Practice and can be contacted for feedback at fungai@ zenaslegalpractice.com and WhatsApp 0772 997 889.
Nontokozo Moyo can be contacted on moyonontokozo22@gmail.com, phone number +263 77 770 9303
