The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), in collaboration with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), has hosted a workshop titled “Synergizing for Success: Building A Robust Data Protection Framework,” paving the way for an Egyptian national center dedicated to data protection.
The workshop represented a key step in raising awareness about the importance of safeguarding personal data and establishing connections with key stakeholders, including government agencies, ministries, and private companies. It served as a platform for exchanging insights and experiences on data protection from regional and international perspectives, preparing for the implementation of a comprehensive personal data protection system.
Attendees included data protection experts from prominent institutions, along with representatives from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol), Jordan’s Personal Data Protection Unit, and Tunisia’s National Authority for Protection of Personal Data. They offered extensive perspectives on data protection and underscored the importance of aligning with global standards.
The event agenda featured three sessions. The first discussed the legal foundations of data protection and the need to harmonize with international standards. The second session reviewed global best practices from data protection authorities and considered lessons for Egypt’s context. The final session explored the economic benefits of cross-border data transfers, focusing on the opportunities they present and the compliance measures needed.
It is worth noting that Egypt’s Data Protection Law No. 151 of 2020 provides a legal framework for safeguarding individual data rights and delineates the responsibilities of entities that process personal data, whether governmental, corporate, or private. The law includes several key provisions, such as requiring explicit consent from individuals before data collection and enforcing data security measures to protect against breaches or misuse. This legislation represents a significant milestone in enhancing trust in Egypt’s digital economy and is intended to make the country a more attractive destination for international investments by adhering to global standards.
