MACRA to storm north with awareness campaign on Data Privacy

By Edwin Mbewe……..

The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) through its Awareness unit is set to storm northern region districts with awareness campaign activities to mark the Data Privacy Week 2025 from 27th to 31st January.

As per body’s head of Data Protection Authority Dan Chiwoni the campaign includes a commemorative event scheduled for Mzuzu on 28th January which will be accompanied by week-long road shows in Mzimba, Mzuzu, Kasungu and Nkhata-Bay.

The shows will among other things feature, interactive sessions, an opportunities for the citizens to ask questions and use of public awareness materials.

Themed “Put Privacy First”, This year’s Data Privacy week aims to raise the public awareness about the Malawi Data protection Act of 2024.

” This landmark legislation, enacted in June 2024, designate the MACRA as the data protection authority, highlighting the lawful and transparent handling of citizen’s personal data”, Head of Data Protection Authority Dan Chiwoni said.

He further added that, the campaigns will educate individuals and businesses about data protection rights and obligations, promote compliance with the Act, and foster a “Privacy-first” culture.

Through the initiatives, MACRA aims to empower citizens with right information, enhance data security, and encourage collaboration among stakeholders to address emerging data privacy challenges.