Doha, Qatar: Director of National Cyber Governance and Assurance Affairs and Head of the National Data Privacy Office at the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), Dana Youssef Al Abdullah, emphasised the significance of Data Privacy Day, observed annually on January 28.
The day aims to highlight the importance of safeguarding personal data for all digital space users. She noted that the event seeks to raise awareness about preserving personal data privacy in technological interactions and ensuring compliance with privacy principles and data security.
In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Eng. Al Abdullah explained that many countries utilise this occasion to promote the culture of personal data privacy, educating individuals about their rights and institutions about their obligations.
She stressed the importance of cooperation among state institutions and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with Qatar’s Personal Data Privacy Protection Law, underling the importance of enhancing the culture of data privacy and educating the public about their rights and responsibilities under the law are crucial for building trust and fostering digital confidence within Qatari society.
She explained that the law also establishes individuals’ rights regarding personal data protection, including guidelines for processing sensitive data, electronic communications for direct marketing, and children’s data. It specifies exemptions and penalties, with financial fines for violations reaching up to QR5m.
Al Abdullah underscored that the law is instrumental in bolstering digital trust. Compliance with its provisions by companies and institutions, along with administrative, technical, and financial measures to safeguard personal data, fosters confidence in the state’s digital ecosystem. She described the law as an extension of Qatar’s constitution, which guarantees human privacy, including in the digital realm, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030.
She highlighted the agency’s commitment to fostering international cooperation in data privacy. She noted that the agency actively seeks membership in global organizations such as the International Association of Privacy Professionals and the Global Privacy Enforcement Network. She added that the agency represents the State of Qatar at regional and international forums, and collaborates with counterpart institutions worldwide.
Al Abdulla emphasised the benefits of the law for institutions, explaining that it sets out clear frameworks and general principles for managing personal data. The law outlines the technical, administrative, and financial precautions that institutions must adhere to when collecting and processing data.
Discussing the positive effects of the law on individuals and society, Al Abdulla stated that the Personal Data Privacy Protection Law includes numerous provisions that empower individuals to safeguard their data from unauthorised access or misuse. These provisions ensure that individuals can understand how their data is collected, processed, the purposes behind its collection and processing, the entities with whom their data is shared, and the duration for which it is stored. This level of transparency and fairness reinforces trust and strengthens the principles of integrity in data processing.
