Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Frederico Links
Published on 2024-03-12 07:07:18
Namibia’s new mass state surveillance framework is set to go into effect on April 1st, but it has already been criticized for not aligning with recent African human rights guidance. The framework includes mandatory SIM card registration and data retention regulations, which have raised concerns about privacy and human rights violations.
The regulations, part of the Communications Act 8 of 2009, allow for the interception and monitoring of all digital communications in Namibia. However, these rules are not in line with Principle 41 of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in 2019.
Resolution 573, adopted by the ACHPR, expresses concern about the unrestrained acquisition of communication surveillance technologies by state actors without proper regulation. It also highlights the lack of adequate national frameworks on privacy, communication surveillance, and data protection in Africa. The resolution raises alarm about the prevalence of mass surveillance and unlawful targeting of communication, especially against journalists, human rights defenders, and opposition activists.
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa) considers mass surveillance a significant threat to freedom of expression in the region and calls for more transparency from governments in deploying surveillance equipment. The Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria commends the resolution for recognizing the importance of protecting human rights in the face of evolving technology.
The resolution outlines five points for African governments to follow, including ensuring that restrictions on privacy and fundamental freedoms are necessary and proportionate, aligning communication surveillance regulations with international standards, only engaging in targeted surveillance with legal authorization, promoting privacy-enhancing technologies, and providing remedies for victims of surveillance violations.
A policy brief by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) found that Namibia’s mass state surveillance framework falls short of these standards. The IPPR recommends wide-ranging amendments to the Communications Act and other relevant regulations to better protect communications and data.
In conclusion, Namibia’s new surveillance framework is facing criticism for not meeting international human rights standards and principles. The resolution adopted by the ACHPR highlights the need for African governments to align their surveillance practices with international norms and provide safeguards for privacy rights. It is crucial for Namibia to review and amend its surveillance regulations to ensure the protection of human rights and privacy in the digital age.
Read the original article on The Namibian
