Kenyans warned against sharing personal data on social media

The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) has cautioned the public against sharing consolidation and sharing of personal contacts, location and details of family members of MPs on social media.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the commissioner noted that the practice violates data protection laws and individuals’ privacy rights.

“The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) has established that there has been a recent trend of consolidating and sharing of personal information (names, telephone numbers, location and details of family members) of a certain category of citizens through social media platforms,” the statement reads in part.

The Commissioner expressed concern that the practice has been happening without the consent of the affected individuals contrary to the provisions of Article 31 of the Constitution and the Data Protection Act of 2019.

“The Office wishes to advise members of public to refrain from further sharing of personal information which infringes on individuals’ rights to privacy.”

This comes after Kenyans on various social platforms, including X, shared phone numbers of MPs in a bid to pressure them to reject the Finance Bill 2024.

The ODPC has urged any individuals whose privacy has been compromised to file a complaint via; complaint@odpc.go.ke.

Article 31 of the Constitution stipulates that every person has the right to privacy, including the right not to have their person, home, or property searched; their possessions seized; information relating to their family or private affairs unnecessarily required or revealed; or the privacy of their communications infringed.