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A Pacific islands nation announces it will soon have a national data policy in digital transformation milestone.
Papua New Guinea’s Department of Information and Communications Technology has announced the nation’s National Data Protection and Governance Policy is now ready to be put into law.
According to PNG’s Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Timothy Masiu, the rapid growth of digital technologies at home and abroad means that a robust data policy and regulations regime is more important than ever before.
“The absence of clear guidelines undermines public trust and hinders the benefits of data-driven innovation and economic growth,” Minister Masiu said in a statement.
“Therefore, PNG urgently needs a comprehensive National Data Governance and Data Protection Policy to address these issues. This policy is now awaiting the endorsement of a ministerial committee before it makes its way to cabinet for approval.”
Minister Masiu said that attending a recent Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) Forum event in Tokyo provided a “vital platform” for PNG to assess its domestic interoperability mechanism for public bodies.
“The event underscores the importance of international cooperation in enhancing data privacy and security across borders, and PNG was represented in Tokyo by the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s departmental head, Steven Matainaho; principal legal officer, Oala Moi, and; data policy officer, Nancy Kanasa, each of whom are leading and managing efforts to promote and safeguard PNG’s data policy,” Minister Masiu said.
A submission will now be taken to the National Executive Council recommending that PNG joins the CBPR Forum alongside Canada, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and the US.
In addition, PNG is now seeking to draft a memorandum of understanding with Japan regarding ICT cooperation “benefiting both nations through shared expertise and innovation”.
“We are confident that these efforts will enhance our country’s role in the global digital landscape, promoting secure and efficient cross-border data flows and technological collaboration,” Minister Masiu said.
David Hollingworth has been writing about technology for over 20 years, and has worked for a range of print and online titles in his career. He is enjoying getting to grips with cyber security, especially when it lets him talk about Lego.
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