The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) is urging journalists and media houses to uphold responsibility when handling data as they process stories.
MCK CEO David Omwoyo who spoke today at a media briefing in Eldoret in preparation for this year’s International Data Privacy Day celebrated annually on January 28 said journalists play a critical role in data processing, adding that ethics remain paramount in the news production and consumption.
“As we mark this day, I urge journalists, as conveyors of information, to reflect on their priviledge to access and disseminate information. We have additional responsibility including ensuring consent and right to privacy. The pleasure we have as media should be exercised with caution”, he stated.
Mr Omwoyo affirmed the Council’s commitment to ensuring responsible media practices that safeguard personal data while promoting press freedom.
“ The Council, in collaboration with stakeholders, has put in place measures that seek to enhance professionalism in the media as key players in the data processing ecosystem. This includes developing media guidelines on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), data and social media to ensure appropriate and ethical integration for their use in professional journalism in Kenya. We have invited members of the public to give their views on these documents”, said Mr Omwoyo.
Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait underscored the mounting need to sensitise the public and duty bearers on data governance, saying “responsibility rests with everyone, given the centrality of data and necessity of technology in current times”.
She urged the media to uphold ethics when processing information while adapting to emerging technological innovations.
“The media has been playing a pivotal role in promoting understanding of personal data protection and in disseminating news since the enactment of the Data Protection Act in 2019 and the operationalisation of the Office of Data Protection Commissioner in 2020”, said Ms Kassait.
This year’s theme “Safeguarding Personal Data to Spur Digital Transformation and Economic Development” highlights the crucial role of data privacy in enabling sustainable growth in the digital age.