Africa-Press – Gambia. The Information Commission has embarked on nationwide community sensitization on the newly enacted Personal Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2025.
The Information Commission, in partnership with the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, conducted the exercise across the country.
The outreach, funded by the West Africa Regional Digital Integration Programme (WARDIP), ran from 22nd to 31st October and targeted communities across all regions.
The campaign brought together Local Government Councilors, Chiefs, Alkalolu, law enforcement officers, and youth and women leaders for direct engagement on the importance of safeguarding personal data. Sessions were held in Brikama, Besse, and Bwiam in Foni, Jattaba and Kolior in Kiang, as well as Soma, Farafenni, Illiasa, Ngayen Sanjal, Kaur, Panchang, Wassu, Basse Santasu, Basse Mansajang, Sarebojo, Bansang, and Brikamaba.
Officials explained that the Personal Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2025, seeked to protect individuals from data misuse, theft, and fraud, while also guaranteeing citizens’ rights as data subjects under the new law. The law applies to all personal data processed by Data Controllers and Data Processors operating within The Gambia. However, the sensitization team clarified that the Act did not cover the processing of anonymous data or information handled purely for personal or household purposes.
According to the Commission, the Act introduces clear obligations for institutions handling personal information, including government bodies, private companies, civil society organisations, and digital service providers. It also establishes mechanisms for individuals to know how their data is collected, stored, shared, and protected.
The outreach sessions allowed community members to directly engage with government officials on how the law will function in practice, with participants raising questions on compliance requirements, reporting mechanisms, and the legal responsibilities of institutions managing sensitive information.
The Information Commission and the Ministry of Information reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring smooth and effective implementation of the new framework nationwide. They noted that sustained awareness-raising will continue to equip all stakeholders with the knowledge and tools required to uphold data protection and privacy rights in an increasingly digital environment.
Officials described the sensitization tour as an important step toward strengthening public trust in digital systems, improving responsible data handling, and ensuring that communities are fully informed about their rights under the law.
The Commission urged institutions and citizens alike to familiarise themselves with the Act as implementation begins across the country.
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