Past Chair at
UNESCO Information for All Programme, Dorothy Gordon recently posed a critical
question: why are we so willing to give away our data for free to WhatsApp and
Meta? This question was sparked by a post from Larisa Akrofie, Program Lead,
Education and Skills at Mastercard Foundation on Linkedin social media platform,
encouraging African youth to join the Plugging African Youth WhatsApp Channel.
Larisa Akrofie highlighted the channel's success, stating that over 3,000 young Africans are now connected to opportunities such as scholarships, jobs, and entrepreneurship. She later clarified that her post was a personal effort and not on behalf of the Mastercard Foundation.
While this initiative is commendable, Gordon's question raises important concerns about data privacy and security.
The reality is
that our data is the currency that fuels the business models of tech giants
like Meta. By collecting and analyzing our information, they can create
detailed profiles of our interests, behaviors, and preferences. This data is
then used to target us with ads, influence our opinions, and even manipulate
our decisions.
But, as Gordon
points out, we do have a choice. We can choose to be more mindful of the data
we share and with whom we share it. We can demand greater transparency and
accountability from companies like Meta. And we can explore alternative
platforms and technologies that prioritize our privacy and security.
In Africa,
where mobile penetration is high and data privacy regulations are still
evolving, this issue is particularly pressing. Ghana, for instance, has made
significant strides in promoting digital inclusion, but data protection remains
a concern.
To address
this, Africa can draw inspiration from the European Union's General Data
Protection Regulation, a landmark legislation that has set a global standard
for data protection, ensuring that consumers' data is safeguarded and their
rights are respected.
By adopting
similar data protection frameworks, African countries can empower citizens to
control their data, hold companies accountable for data breaches, foster trust
in digital services, and promote innovation and competition.
Ghana and other
African nations can learn from Europe's example, tailoring data protection laws
to their unique contexts. This will enable them to establish clear guidelines
for data collection and use, implement robust security measures, provide
transparent data processing practices, and ensure individuals' rights to access
and delete their data.
As Africa
continues to digitize, it's crucial that data protection takes center stage. By
prioritizing consumers' data safety, African nations can build a thriving
digital economy that benefits all.
Ultimately,
it's time for Africa to take control of its data and demand a better deal from
big tech. Our information is valuable, and we should be mindful of who we're
sharing it with.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
