Togo's IPDCP Warns Against Online Tracking of Individuals

The Instance de protection des données à caractère personnel (IPDCP) in Togo has issued a warning against the increasing trend of tracking individuals online. The IPDCP has expressed concern over calls to identify, locate, and publicly expose people due to their comments or opinions on social media. These campaigns, sometimes with financial rewards, encourage the search and dissemination of private information.

The IPDCP president, Bédiani Béléi, has raised the alarm over the risks associated with online tracking. He emphasized that no disagreement justifies a digital manhunt. Those who engage in such activities risk up to five years in prison and 20 million FCFA in fines. The IPDCP is urging individuals to respect the privacy of others and to use the tools provided by social media platforms to report, block, and moderate content.

The law on personal data protection, enacted in October 2019, strictly regulates the collection and dissemination of personal data. The law considers any information that can identify a person, directly or indirectly, as personal data. This includes names, images, addresses, and family situations. The IPDCP is responsible for ensuring that these rules are enforced.

Online tracking can have severe consequences for the individuals targeted and their families. They may face threats, pressure, and long-term damage to their reputation and security. The IPDCP is warning individuals against sharing personal information online and against engaging in online tracking.

The IPDCP is urging social media users to be cautious and to respect the privacy of others. The agency is working to raise awareness about the risks associated with online tracking and to prevent such activities. The IPDCP is also encouraging individuals to report any incidents of online tracking to the authorities.

Bédiani Béléi emphasized that only the police and justice system are authorized to handle infractions related to online tracking. He urged individuals to use the tools provided by social media platforms to report and block abusive content, rather than taking the law into their own hands.

The IPDCP's warning is a reminder of the importance of protecting personal data and respecting individuals' privacy online. The agency's efforts aim to prevent online tracking and to promote a safer online environment for all users.

Key points

• Individuals who engage in online tracking risk up to five years in prison and 20 million FCFA in fines.
• The IPDCP is urging individuals to respect the privacy of others and to use the tools provided by social media platforms to report, block, and moderate content.
• The law on personal data protection, enacted in October 2019, strictly regulates the collection and dissemination of personal data.