International Data Privacy Day

Addressing issues of Mis- and Disinformation during the election period in commemoration of International Data Privacy Day.

Joining other Data Privacy Authorities and data protection civil organisations throughout the globe, the Regulator observed International Data Privacy Day 2024 with a focus on empowering data subjects about data protection and engaging responsible parties on the importance of compliance with data privacy laws.

The Regulator organised a series of events to create momentum around International Data Privacy Day and spread awareness on the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).An interesting topic was the centre of discussion which sought to tackle and address the phenomenon of Mis- and Disinformation during the election period. 

As we officially close Data Protection week, we reflect on the milestones we have achieved from the webinars, public activation, media interaction to training sessions.

A webinar focusing on Misinformation and Disinformation during the election period

A webinar was held on 29 January 2024 in partnership with Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) which held robust discussions to come up with potential solutions to address the issue of Misinformation and Disinformation and the need for political parties to process personal information lawfully during the election period.

Misinformation and disinformation undermine the free flow of credible and reliable information. With technological advancements and heightened use of Artificial Intelligence, misinformation and disinformation thrive, and personal information is easily altered to perpetuate false information, which is quickly distributed on digital and social platforms.