Malawi Moves to Strengthen Data Privacy Awareness in Courier and Postal Sector

The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority Data Protection Authority (DPA)  has engaged postal and courier service providers in Blantyre as part of efforts to sensitise industry operators on the Data Protection Act ahead of its enforcement in the sector.

The engagement focused on outlining key data protection principles and clarifying the obligations of postal and courier operators, particularly in relation to the handling of customer information and personal data.

Head of the DPA, Dan Chiwoni, noted that postal and courier services play a critical role in managing sensitive customer data, making it necessary to ensure that operators are properly trained on responsible data handling practices and compliance requirements.

The Authority also raised several concerns observed within the sector, including the public discussion of customer information, inadequate staff training on data protection responsibilities, and instances of unauthorized access to customer databases.

The DPA indicated that similar sensitisation sessions will be held in Lilongwe, targeting operators from Malawi’s central and northern regions as part of a nationwide rollout of awareness activities ahead of full enforcement of the law.