NAIROBI, Kenya 26th September – At the 41st International Association of Science Parks (IASP) World Conference on Science Parks & Areas of Innovation, Deputy Data Commissioner, Rose Mosero, HSC, highlighted the crucial role of incorporating data protection principles into innovation.
The Deputy Data Commissioneremphasized that regulatory compliance is not merely about exploring the possibilities of what innovation can achieve, but about aligning those possibilities with ethical and regulatory considerations of what we should do. By embedding data protection principles, innovators can ensure that their advancements benefit society without causing harm.
“Progress in innovation should not only be measured by output, but by the values it upholds,” she stated. “Innovations often involve the collection, processing, and storage of significant amounts of personal data, which brings privacy concerns. Adhering to data protection principles and implementing data protection by design is critical in ensuring transparency, accountability, and security.”
She further stressed that innovators bear the responsibility to avoid creating systems in opaque, “black box” environments. Instead, they should embrace principles such as transparency, explainability, human rights, accountability, and user-centric design to build trust and protect user privacy.
