The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) has issued a stern warning against the unauthorized dissemination of personal information on social media, following a spate of incidents involving the exposure of sensitive data belonging to public figures and citizens alike.
This recent trend has sparked concerns over privacy violations and the need for stringent enforcement of data protection laws.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the ODPC highlighted that personal details such as names, telephone numbers, locations, and family information were being shared without consent.
“This practice has been happening without the affected citizens’ consent contrary to the provisions of Article 31 of the Constitution of Kenya, the Data Protection Act, 2019, and its attendant regulations,” the statement read.
The advisory comes in the wake of widespread protests against the controversial Finance Bill 2024, during which numerous politicians, including MPs Peter Salasya, Sylvanus Osoro, and Millie Odhiambo, reported receiving a deluge of messages after their phone numbers were exposed online.
Additionally, a policeman involved in arresting demonstrators in Nairobi had his number leaked and subsequently marked as spam on Truecaller.
“The Office wishes to advise members of the public to refrain from further sharing of personal information which infringes on individuals’ rights to privacy,” the Data Protection Commissioner emphasized. The ODPC has also encouraged individuals whose privacy has been compromised to file formal complaints with the office.
The ODPC’s mandate includes regulating the processing of personal data and ensuring compliance with the principles outlined in Section 25 of the Data Protection Act. This includes safeguarding the rights of data subjects and holding violators accountable.
