In Egypt, the handling of phone number data is primarily governed by the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) No. 151 of 2020, alongside sector-specific regulations such as the Telecommunications Regulation Law No. 10 of 2003 and the Consumer Protection Law No. 181 of 2018. These laws collectively establish a framework for the collection, processing, and protection of personal data, including phone numbers, within the country.
Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) No. 151 of 2020
The PDPL, enacted in 2020, represents Egypt’s comprehensive approach to personal data protection. It defines personal data as any information that can identify a natural person, encompassing phone numbers, email addresses, and other contact details. Under this law:
Consent Requirement: Organizations must obtain explicit consent from individuals before collecting or processing their personal data, including phone numbers. This consent must be informed, specific, and freely given.
Data Processing Principles: Personal data should be processed lawfully, fairly, and transparently. It should be collected for specified, legitimate purposes and not further in a manner incompatible with those purposes.
Data Subject Rights: Individuals have the right to access their personal data, rectify inaccuracies, erase data, and object to processing under certain conditions.
Data Security: Entities are to implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to safeguard personal data against access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction.
Cross-Border Data Transfers: The law imposes restrictions on transferring personal data outside Egypt to countries that do not provide an adequate level of data protection.
Violations of the PDPL can result in egypt phone number list significant penalties, including fines ranging from EGP 100,000 to EGP 5 million, depending on the nature and severity of the offense.
Telecommunications Regulation Law No. 10 of 2003
The Telecommunications Regulation Law No. 10 of 2003 establishes the legal framework for the telecommunications sector in Egypt. While it does not explicitly address personal data protection, it includes provisions to the confidentiality and security of communications:
Confidentiality of Communications: The online vs. on-campus: which is better? law mandates that telecommunications service providers ensure the confidentiality of communications and data, which encompasses phone numbers.
Regulatory Oversight: The National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) is to monitor and enforce compliance with these provisions, ensuring that service providers uphold the privacy and security of user data.
However, the law has been for not providing comprehensive protections for personal data, particularly in the context of modern digital communications.
Consumer Protection Law No. 181 of 2018
The Consumer Protection Law No. 181 of 2018 addresses various aspects of consumer rights, including the handling of personal data:
Consent and Transparency: Businesses are alb directory required to obtain explicit consent from consumers before collecting or using their personal data, phone numbers. They must also inform consumers about the purpose for which their data will be use.
Data Sharing and Third Parties: The law prohibits the sharing or selling of personal data to third parties without the consumer’s consent.
Consumers have the right to access their personal data held by businesses and to request corrections. Or deletions of inaccurate or information.
While the law provides a foundation for protecting consumer data. Its application to phone number data is limited and may require further clarification. In the context of digital marketing and telecommunications.
Enforcement and Regulatory Authorities
The enforcement of personal data protection laws in Egypt is primarily. The responsibility of the Egyptian Data Protection Center (DPC), established under the PDPL. The DPC is task with:
Monitoring Compliance: Overseeing the adherence of organizations to data protection regulations.
Issuing Guidelines: Providing guidance on best practices for data handling and processing.
Handling Complaints: Addressing grievances from individuals regarding the misuse of their personal data.
Imposing Sanctions: Enforcing penalties for non-compliance with data protection laws.
Additionally, the NTRA plays a crucial role in regulating the telecommunications sector. Esuring that service providers comply with confidentiality and security requirements to phone number data.
Conclusion
In Egypt, the usage of phone number data is govern by a combination of the Personal Data Protection Law. The Telecommunications Regulation Law, and the Consumer Protection Law. These laws collectively aim to protect individuals’ privacy and ensure the secure handling of personal data. Organizations operating in Egypt must navigate this legal landscape to ensure compliance and safeguard consumer trust.
