Data privacy

Ensuring data privacy for government applications in Rwanda is crucial to complying with Rwanda's law on the protection of personal data and privacy. Adhering to these regulations is not only a legal obligation but also a means to uphold citizens' fundamental rights and trust in government services. By safeguarding the privacy of personal data, government applications can mitigate the risk of unauthorized access, misuse, or disclosure of sensitive information. This fosters a culture of accountability and transparency, reinforcing citizens' confidence in the government's commitment to respecting their privacy rights.  Government institutions should follow RISA’s privacy by design guidelines when developing mobile applications. Key considerations include:

Notice on personal data collection [Mandatory]

Mobile application users should be given clear, specific and complete notice on how a government institution will use and disclose personal information collected by the mobile app, including the device features the app requests access to and the reasons for seeking these permissions. Clearly communicate to users how their data will be collected, used, and shared through a privacy policy or disclosure statement. 

Consent for data collection [Mandatory]

Obtain informed consent from users before collecting and processing their personal information.

Minimal data collection [Mandatory]

Minimize the collection and retention of personally identifiable information to reduce the potential impact of a data breach.

Data anonymisation [Mandatory]

Implement data anonymization techniques whenever possible to protect user privacy.

Privacy guidelines [Mandatory]

Ensure compliance with RISA privacy by design guidelines and Rwanda's Data Protection Law.