DAR ES SALAAM: SURELY, in an era where a single careless click can leak sensitive personal information to the wrong hands, Tanzanian media professionals are learning that privacy is no longer just a buzzword, but a survival skill.
Here, editors and journalists from various media outlets across the country recently received specialised training from Vodacom on protecting personal information. The initiative aims to equip media personnel with the skills to ensure that every Tanzanian stays safe online and becomes more accountable for the information they share.
The training that took place in Dar es Salaam during the Media Connect seminar, was a platform organised by Vodacom to foster stronger relationships with the media. While seminars often carry the risk of being “sit-and-listen” events, this one was hands-on, interactive and strategically targeted at equipping participants with practical knowledge they could immediately apply in their professional and personal lives.
Addressing the participants, Vodacom’s Technology, Risk and Governance Manager, Macbethana Wilfred, underscored that the responsibility of protecting personal information does not rest on any single individual. Instead, it is a collective duty. Ms Wilfred explained that safeguarding data is not a task for IT departments alone, nor should it be left to the government or corporate watchdogs, it is a responsibility shared by everyone, from the newsroom to the everyday citizen.
“Every Tanzanian has a duty to begin protecting their own information, as well as the data of their audiences, before it even reaches them,” Ms Wilfred emphasised, adding a wry smile that hinted at the growing reality: “If you don’t protect your data, don’t be surprised when it starts protecting itself by showing up where it shouldn’t.”
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Participants were advised to draw clear boundaries between personal and professional devices. One of the practical tips Wilfred stressed was avoiding the temptation to open “gift apps” or unsolicited downloads sent through WhatsApp groups, a common vector for cyberattacks.
Detecting security flaws early can prevent personal or organisational information from falling into the hands of fraudsters.
The seminar also highlighted the risks associated with careless network usage. In an age of instant connectivity, hackers are only a click away, and their methods are getting more sophisticated. Ms Wilfred warned that neglecting online safety is essentially inviting trouble like leaving your front door wide open and posting the key under the welcome mat.
To counter these threats, Wilfred encouraged media houses to build stronger alliances with professional institutions and engage communities more actively. Such cooperation could enhance information security awareness and reduce vulnerabilities.
She further stressed that these protective measures are not just for immediate benefit but to ensure that future generations inherit a secure digital environment. In short, the message was clear: Your data practices today can define the digital safety of tomorrow.
Vodacom’s Head of Legal Affairs, Jacquline Kalanze, took the session a step further by addressing the legal and ethical dimensions of information sharing. She reminded media personnel that individuals have an inalienable right to their personal information and that violating this right such as taking photographs without consent can have serious consequences. She added that media outlets hold immense responsibility in safeguarding people’s information, especially when distributing content on social media platforms.
Ms Kalanze explained that privacy forms the backbone of digital trust. “When individuals feel their privacy is respected, they trust communication channels, engage in transactions and interact with digital services more confidently,” she said. Conversely, breaches of privacy erode trust, damage reputations and can even discourage engagement with essential services. Her comments highlighted the critical intersection between media, law and technology, a space that increasingly defines how society interacts with information.
She also underscored the media’s role in shaping public perception and community cohesion. By reporting accurately on personal, institutional, or government matters while avoiding misinformation or inflammatory content, journalists can protect both individual privacy and public trust. “Media outlets have a pivotal role in uniting communities through the information they provide,” Ms Kalanze noted, emphasising that responsible reporting strengthens social bonds rather than fraying them.
Transparency and accountability were recurring themes. Ms Kalanze reminded journalists that society expects media outlets and companies to be open about how they collect and use data. Any misuse can severely damage reputations. “Even a single misstep in handling data can overshadow years of credibility. It’s like dropping a smartphone in a puddle everything inside could be ruined in seconds,” she added, lightening the serious message with a relatable analogy.
According to Ms Kalanze, Vodacom treats privacy not as an afterthought but as a core business priority. Protecting customer information is essential for fostering long-term trust between the company and its clients. Before releasing any customer data, the company adheres strictly to data subject rights, including informing individuals and obtaining explicit consent. This approach exemplifies best practices for companies and media outlets alike.
Meanwhile, Nsambo Binde, Vodacom’s Head of Corporate Risk and Security, focused on practical steps to defend against online fraud. Participants learned about phishing scams, malware and social engineering tactics used by cybercriminals. Binde highlighted Vodacom’s ongoing efforts to monitor and neutralise online threats, noting the company’s recent success in controlling scammers, particularly in the Morogoro and Rukwa regions. His session offered a sobering reminder: Online threats are pervasive, but with vigilance and proper safeguards, they can be mitigated.
Throughout the seminar, a recurring theme emerged: Safeguarding personal information is both a professional obligation and a societal duty. Media professionals, who are often at the forefront of information dissemination, must recognise that their actions carry ripple effects. A careless post, an unsecured device, or an unverified piece of information can compromise not only individual privacy but also the public’s trust in the media.
The seminar’s emphasis on practical measures such as separating personal and professional devices, being wary of suspicious apps, and adhering to legal requirements for data sharing was complemented by discussions about long-term strategies. Collaboration with professional institutions, increased community engagement and adherence to ethical standards were all identified as crucial steps for creating a safer information ecosystem.
In a digital age where information spreads at lightning speed, the training underscored a fundamental truth: Protecting personal data is no longer optional. For media professionals, the message was both empowering and cautionary. By embracing these best practices, journalists can continue to inform the public while safeguarding individual privacy. By neglecting them, they risk exposing their audiences and themselves to unnecessary danger.
Vodacom’s Media Connect seminar, therefore, was more than a training session; it was a call to action. It combined technical advice, legal guidance and ethical considerations to ensure that Tanzanian media professionals are prepared for the digital challenges of today and tomorrow. And, as a gentle reminder laced with humor, failing to protect your information might not just ruin your day, it could make your social media feed a hacker’s playground.
In conclusion, the message from Vodacom’s experts was clear: Privacy protection is everyone’s responsibility. Journalists and editors are not just conveyors of information, they are guardians of public trust. With proper knowledge, vigilance and ethical practices, the media can continue to serve society effectively, while safeguarding personal data in an increasingly connected world.