Personal data: IPDCP trains media professionals

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Extract from the article: The Personal Data Protection Authority (IPDCP), in collaboration with the High Authority for Audiovisual and Communication (HAAC), organised an information and awareness-raising meeting on best practices, legal obligations and ethical responsibilitie

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The Personal Data Protection Authority (IPDCP), in collaboration with the High Authority for Audiovisual and Communication (HAAC), organised an information and awareness-raising meeting on best practices, legal obligations and ethical responsibilities related to the processing of personal data for around fifty media professionals on 23 February in Notsè. This session is part of the second phase of a national programme to support the media sector in the area of personal data protection.

The meeting provided an opportunity for discussion on the legal and ethical responsibilities of journalists in the digital age. At the opening of the proceedings, the president of the IPDCP praised the commitment and availability of the HAAC, whose support was instrumental in making this event possible.

During the discussions, the IPDCP reiterated that the media are not simply conduits for information. In their daily work, journalists handle a variety of personal data: identities, images, voices, sensitive data, legal information, source contact details, location data and administrative documents. Each publication therefore involves professional and legal responsibility on their part.

The session had two objectives: to strengthen understanding of the national legal framework for data protection and to guide journalists towards more responsible practices that comply with the law.

Three major responsibilities were highlighted. First, an educational role: the media have the ability to raise public awareness of the risks associated with digital technology, including scams, identity theft and cyberviolence. Second, a watchdog role: through their investigations, journalists help to expose abuses and violations of citizens' rights. Finally, they have a role as role models: blurring the faces of minors, anonymising sensitive testimonies, verifying consent and securing the data collected must become professional reflexes.

The IPDCP intends to extend these training courses throughout the country. The protection of personal data is not only a legal obligation, but also an ethical imperative and a pillar of public trust.

Raymond DZAKPATA