The Gabonese province of Ogooué-Maritime, specifically Port-Gentil, is hosting a campaign to raise awareness about personal data protection and privacy. The initiative, led by the Autorité pour la Protection des Données Personnelles et de la Vie Privée (APDPVP), began on November 10, 2026, and will run until November 20. The launch event was attended by local authorities, economic operators, and representatives of the judiciary.
During the launch event, Joël Dominique Ledaga, president of the APDPVP, emphasized the importance of this initiative in promoting the pedagogical missions of the Authority. He highlighted the risks associated with the increasing use of digital technologies, such as social media, artificial intelligence, and mobile applications, which can compromise citizens' personal data and privacy. Ledaga stressed that protecting personal data and privacy is not only a technical or legal issue but also a matter of citizenship and human dignity.
Françoise Assengone Obame, governor of the Ogooué-Maritime province, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the need for robust guarantees to ensure the security of information and respect for private life in the context of digital transformation. She invited administrative officials and economic operators to cooperate fully with the APDPVP and comply with legal obligations related to the collection and processing of personal data.
The awareness campaign aims to educate businesses and individuals about the legal and institutional framework, regulatory requirements, and best practices for protecting personal data and privacy. Experts from the APDPVP will engage with various stakeholders to promote a culture of personal data protection in a context marked by rapid digital transformation and increasing use of new technologies.
The campaign is part of the APDPVP's ongoing efforts to promote personal data protection and privacy in Gabon. Previous similar initiatives were organized in Port-Gentil in 2019 and 2022. The Authority seeks to empower citizens with knowledge of their rights, including access, rectification, opposition, and erasure of their personal data.
The event brought together various stakeholders, including public administrators, economic operators, local elected officials, and representatives of the judiciary. The participants demonstrated a willingness to engage with the APDPVP and learn more about personal data protection and privacy.
The awareness campaign will conclude on November 20, 2026, having covered essential aspects of personal data protection and privacy. By promoting a culture of data protection, the APDPVP aims to ensure that citizens' rights are respected and their personal data are safeguarded in the digital age.
Key points
- The campaign aims to educate citizens and businesses about personal data protection and privacy in the context of digital transformation.
