The government, through the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, has warned the public against victimising people by revealing personal information on social media.
This follows a new trend in which sections of online users have mobilised targeted attacks on people perceived to have done wrong by requesting that their names, phone numbers, locations, and family member information be shared online so that the individuals can be mocked and insulted.
The trend appears to have gained traction after Members of Parliament’s phone numbers were leaked on social media last week in a nationwide effort to have the leaders withdraw controversial tax proposals included in the Finance Bill 2024.
The MPs appeared to feel the heat, with some publicly lamenting the avalanche of strange text messages and phone calls they had received.
The tendency continued this week, with personal information on officers who were seen repelling protesters during Tuesday’s Finance Bill protests being released online.
In a statement made on Wednesday, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) stated that such actions are illegal and that the culprits may face legal consequences.
“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.”
“This practice has been happening without the affected citizens’ consent contrary to the provisions of Article 31 of the Constitution of Kenya, the Data Protection Act, 2019 and its attendant regulations.”
“In view of the foregoing, the Office wishes to advise members of public to refrain from further sharing of personal information which infringes on individuals’ rights to privacy,” said the ODPC in a statement.
The Data Protection Commissioner has consequently urged any member of the public whose privacy has been violated to file a complaint with the commission.
