Dr.Vivekananth Padmanabhan|HOD-IT|Senior lecturer IT&Business|Cyber Security Trainer
Can we ponder some critical aspects of cybersecurity?
Which are the critical aspects of cybersecurity for you as a user?
It is about privacy and data protection.
Protecting Privacy in the Digital Jungle: Can Ghana Find the Right Balance?
Have you ever felt like your personal data is up for grabs online?
Do you worry about what companies know about you from your digital footprint?
If so, you’re not alone.
Balancing privacy and innovation is a tricky tightrope to walk in our increasingly digital world.
In Ghana, concerns around data protection and privacy are growing as more aspects of life move online. With over 15 million internet users in the country, that’s a lot of personal data potentially vulnerable to misuse or exploitation.
Most people want the convenience of online services but don’t read lengthy terms and conditions. They may not realise how much personal information they’re handing over in exchange. Data like financial records, location, web browsing history, and biometrics
Once collected, what happens to all this data?
It could be anonymized and analysed to improve products or sold to third parties. While names may be removed, re-identification is possible with enough other data points. There’s also the risk of security breaches exposing people’s information.
So how can Ghana craft smart regulations to better safeguard digital privacy without stifling progress?
Robust data protection laws like the EU’s GDPR can provide a model but may be difficult to implement for a developing country like Ghana.
The current Data Protection Act 2012 lacks sufficient enforcement mechanisms, oversight, and requirements for consent. But an overly restrictive new law could limit digital innovations that rely on data to improve financial services, healthcare, and more.
There are also concerns about freedom of expression if regulations are too tight.
Finding the right balance won’t be easy, but doing nothing is not an option.
Perhaps decentralised systems that give users more control over their data are part of the solution?
Or stringent consent requirements before collecting personal information, along with enhanced individual rights?
There are many possibilities to explore.
Collaborating with civil society groups, tech companies, and other stakeholders will be key.
Comparatively, Ghana has advantages in crafting policies; we don’t have entrenched legacy systems limiting options.
If we’re proactive and creative, Ghana could emerge as a leader in privacy protection for the digital age.
Share your ideas and perspectives.
