African Commission Resolution on data access
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Commission) meeting at its 81st Ordinary Session held from 17 October to 06 November 2024 in Banjul, The Gambia:
1) Urges States Parties to: a) Ensure that data collection, processing, storage and access practices are transparent, accountable and in line with regional and international standards in this era of digitalization and increasing use of AI;
b) Ensure that data held by public institutions and bodies receiving public funds, as well as that held by private actors where there is an overriding public interest in access, should be made publicly available by default, in alignment with the principle of maximum disclosure, except where justified by regional and international human rights standards.
2) Decides:
a) To mandate the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa to consult broadly around the continent to examine and develop appropriate normative standards to guide data collection, deployment and access issues concerning data.
b) To support efforts that promote and protect access to data across Africa.
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