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In Cameroon, the legal framework guiding Cyber Law, Data Privacy, and Data Protection is primarily outlined in Law No. 2010/012 of 21 December 2010 on Cyber security and Cyber criminality. Later supplemented by the Law No. 2019/24 of 24 December 2019 on the protection of personal data. These pieces of legislation offer explicit guidelines and measures aimed at protecting individuals' online activities and their personal data in the digital environment. They are designed to safeguard against cyber threats, such as unauthorized data access, identity theft, and other online scams.
Navigating through the complexities of Cyber Law and Data Protection regulations can be challenging for non-specialists. You might require a lawyer's services in situations such as setting up online businesses, reviewing data protection operations, dealing with a data breach, online defamation, or if you’re accused of a cyber crime. A lawyer will not only help in understanding and complying with regulatory requirements but also provide legal aid when legal rights are infringed.
Law No. 2010/012 and Law No. 2019/24 are the driving forces for Cyber Law, Data Privacy, and Data Protection in Cameroon. Notably, Law No. 2010/012 criminalizes several forms of activities that threaten the security and integrity of data and systems. It also establishes the National Agency for Information and Communication Technologies (ANTIC) as a body to oversee cybersecurity. On the other hand, Law No. 2019/24 places the responsibility of data protection on data controllers and demands them to uphold privacy, accuracy, confidentiality, and safety. It also establishes the National Commission for Personal Data Protection (CNDP) as the data protection authority in Cameroon.
Under Cameroonian law, punishment for cyber crime can range from fines to imprisonment, based on the severity of the offense.
The Data Protection Law of 2019 in Cameroon extends protection to all individuals, including children. The law insists on explicit consent in the case of children for data collection and use.
ANTIC is the regulatory body one should contact in case of a cyber threat or data breach. For data privacy concerns, the National Commission for Personal Data Protection (CNDP) is the appropriate agency.
Data controllers are responsible for the data they manage. If a company suffers a data breach, the data controller (typically, the company itself) could be held liable.
Under the 2019 Data Protection Law, individuals are granted the right to delete or correct their data, often called "the right to be forgotten" or "the right of rectification”. However, technically realizing such requests can vary based on the platform.
ANTIC and the CNDP are the significant authoritative bodies dealing with cyber law and data protection in Cameroon. For resources, prospective individuals can refer to the official websites of these institutions for regulatory guidelines, reports, and updates. Additionally, they can also seek help from specialized local law firms who deal with Cyber Law and Data Protection matters.
If you require legal assistance in Cyber Law, Data Privacy, and Data Protection, you should seek professional advice from a legal practitioner who specializes in these areas. It’s advisable to familiarize yourself with the basic aspects of these laws to provide context for your discussions with your lawyer. You should also prepare any questions related to your individual situation or business operations. Remember that proactive steps to adhere to Cyber Law and Data Protection regulations can help you prevent legal complications down the line.
