Doha, January 28 (QNA) – The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) marked International Data Privacy Day by organizing an event and launching a nationwide awareness campaign under the theme “Data Privacy Starts with You.”
The initiative aims to enhance public understanding of personal data protection principles and inform individuals of their rights under Law No. (13) of 2016 on the Protection of Personal Data Privacy.
Speaking on the occasion, HE President of NCSA Eng. Abdulrahman bin Ali Al Farahid Al Malki stated that Qatar is among the leading countries in the region to enact comprehensive legislation safeguarding personal data. He emphasized that the law establishes a robust legal framework regulating the collection, processing, and lawful use of personal information, thereby strengthening trust in digital services.
During the event, NCSA launched the National Awareness Campaign on the Personal Data Privacy Law, encouraging responsible data handling and promoting a culture of trust and accountability across Qatar’s digital landscape. The campaign seeks to transform awareness into daily practice through simple messages such as thinking before sharing data, providing only necessary information, avoiding insecure channels for sending ID documents, using strong passwords, and respecting privacy at home, school, and the workplace.
Director of Policy Affairs Eng. Dana Yousif Al Abdulla highlighted the need to balance technological advancement with privacy protection, particularly in the era of artificial intelligence. She noted that maximizing AI benefits while applying data minimization principles requires regulatory wisdom, strong governance, and careful risk assessment to protect fundamental rights and maintain public trust.
The event featured specialized seminars and workshops attended by government and private sector representatives, focusing on AI compliance, legal data-sharing frameworks, accountability mechanisms, and personal data privacy in health research. International cooperation was also emphasized through a workshop with the Korean Personal Data Protection Commission, reinforcing global collaboration in addressing shared privacy challenges.