The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has highlighted the importance of data protection and analysis training in simplifying and interpreting data among journalists.
The Council’s Mombasa Regional Coordinator Maureen Mudi noted that training journalists on data protection, analysis and simplification of data interpretation is vital in an era where improper data mining is rampant.
“As a player in information matters, MCK intends to collaborate with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) to train journalists on data protection because journalists have a duty to disseminate information and inform the public on matters of public interest”, said Ms Mudi in a meeting with officials from ODPC Mombasa regional office.
“Some of the information may contain data that should be protected or released in a professional manner, hence the reason the Council is pushing for such trainings”, she added.
Ms Mudi said issues of press freedom and privacy can be conflicting at times, hindering journalists from understanding the thin line between professional reporting and handling critical information infringing on people’s privacy.
ODPC’s Data Protection Officer Antony Ndwiga, appreciated the need for both offices to work together for a common cause. He added that the institution is offering short courses on data protection at the Kenya School of Government (KSG) to enhance understanding of data related matters.
“We have a free online course with Strathmore University’s Centre for Intellectual Property for anyone willing to understand the data protection process. Any institution handling data as a data controller and processor must register with the ODPC as per the law to ensure compliance and to promote self-regulation among data controllers and data processors”, remarked Mr Ndwiga.
He emphasised the need for organisations to have data protection officers with either an Information Technology or legal background to safeguard and ensure compliance of processed data.
The two entities further discussed areas of collaboration including training and sensitisation of journalists and other stakeholders on access to information and data protection.