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Government to amend data protection law to align with AI revolution

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Government to amend data protection law to align with AI revolution
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The government has announced plans to amend the 2019 Data Protection and Privacy Act to accommodate the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI).

This initiative is aimed at addressing challenges such as deepfakes, misinformation, and potential societal disruptions brought by AI technologies.

Collin Babirukamu, Director for E-Government Services at the National IT Authority (NITA-U), revealed these plans during the final day of the 4th ACCA Uganda Members Convention 2024.

He emphasized that the amendments would form part of a broader effort to develop a comprehensive AI policy, strategy, and legislation.

“We need to build a regulatory framework that ensures ethical AI usage while supporting innovation,” Babirukamu explained.

The updated framework will align with Uganda’s Fourth Industrial Revolution strategy, aiming to integrate AI into existing systems while safeguarding data privacy and security.

The framework is expected to be completed within 12 months and draws inspiration from global efforts, including those in the United States, European Union, and African Union.

Babirukamu highlighted the importance of this move, stating, “AI is reshaping how governments and societies operate. Uganda must proactively prepare for the opportunities and challenges it presents.”

The initiative seeks to bridge gaps in existing legislation to ensure that the country remains competitive and prepared for AI-driven transformations.

This step signals Uganda’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for technological innovation while addressing the ethical and legal concerns arising from AI.

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