Deputy Speaker Calls for AI-Driven Update to Privacy Laws in Uganda
Mr. Thomas Tayebwa, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, advocated for a revision of data and privacy regulations at the 2024 Data Privacy Day Conference in Kampala.
Mr Thomas Tayebwa, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, has advocated for an update to data and privacy regulations to match the growing landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and possible dangers. Speaking at the 2024 Data Privacy Day Conference in Kampala, Tayebwa underlined the importance of amending existing legislation, which was approved in 2019, to include measures for monitoring of AI applications.
| Key Points | Current Laws |
|---|---|
| Deputy Speaker’s Concerns | Existing laws on data and privacy are outdated given the rapid advancements in AI technology. |
| Legislation in Place | Uganda enacted the Data Protection and Privacy Act in 2019 to regulate the collection and processing of personal information. |
| Call for Oversight | Tayebwa urges the Personal Data Protection Office to analyze the existing law and recommend amendments to align with fourth industrial revolution technologies. |
| Minister’s Role | Suggests giving more powers to the Minister for ICT and National Guidance under regulations to handle AI-related matters efficiently. |
Tayebwa acknowledged the difficulties of keeping legislation up with the speed of the internet and AI, but emphasized the significance of attempting to adapt. He recommended granting the Minister of ICT more regulatory powers to address specific things without parliamentary approval.
The Deputy Speaker emphasized the importance of protecting Ugandans from digital risks such as disinformation and economic espionage. He underlined the importance of concerted efforts to improve cybersecurity.
Dr Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of ICT, stated that personal data acquired by the government would be kept secure and used only for official and beneficial purposes. Dr. Baryomunsi also revealed plans for a fresh registration exercise later this year to issue new or updated National Identification Cards, with the goal of addressing data duplication concerns.
