Register with the Commission, data processors urged

By Alimatu Quaye, GNA
Accra, May 2, GNA - The Data Protection Commission (DPC) has called on data controllers and processors to register with the Commission.

In a statement signed by Mrs Teki Akuetteh Falconer, Executive Director DPC, warned practitioners that they could be prosecuted for violating the Data Protection Act (Act 843), 2012.

The DPC was established to protect the privacy, regulate personal data, process personal information and provide for the process to obtain, hold, use or disclose personal information and for other related issues bothering on the protection of personal data.

The statement said under the stated Act, a data controller is a person who either alone, jointly with other persons or in common with other persons or a statutory duty determines the purposes for and the manner in which personal data is processed or is to be processed such as the governmental bodies, financial institutions, telecommunications companies, academia, health institutions, private professional practitioners, religious organizations, and other corporate and civil society organizations.

It said 'regrettably, many organizations who exercise functions as data controllers have failed to comply with this directive'.

The statement said the Commission would not hesitate to prosecute any organization or person that fails to comply with the provisions of the Act, stating that 'a person who fails to register as a data controller but processes personal data commits an offence and is liable to summary conviction to a fine of not more than 250 penalty units or a term of imprisonment of not more than two years or both.'

It said all data controllers can register online at www.dataprotection.org.gh.

She called on all organizations to respond to the notice as the Commission seeks to establish cordial, effective and sustainable working relations with all stakeholders.

GNA