Doha, 28 Jan. 2026 (QNA)

The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) marked International Data Privacy Day with an event and a nationwide awareness campaign titled “Data Privacy Starts with You,” reinforcing the message that protecting personal data is a shared responsibility across society.

The initiative aims to strengthen public understanding of personal data protection principles and to educate individuals about their rights under Law No. (13) of 2016 on the Protection of Personal Data Privacy. Through this effort, NCSA seeks to encourage safer digital behavior while building trust in Qatar’s growing digital ecosystem.

Speaking at the event, HE President of NCSA Eng. Abdulrahman bin Ali Al Farahid Al Malki highlighted that Qatar is among the region’s leading countries in enacting legislation to safeguard personal data. He explained that the law provides a comprehensive legal framework regulating how personal data is collected, processed, and used, while ensuring individuals’ rights are protected—an essential factor in boosting confidence in digital services.

As part of the celebration, NCSA officially launched the National Awareness Campaign on the Personal Data Privacy Law, designed to reach individuals and organizations alike. The campaign focuses on turning awareness into everyday practice through clear, simple guidance. Key messages include thinking carefully before sharing personal information, providing only the minimum required data, avoiding the transmission of ID documents through insecure channels, using strong passwords, and respecting the privacy of others at home, in schools, and in workplaces.

The campaign also addresses broader issues such as privacy responsibilities, lawful data disclosure, responsible and compliant use of artificial intelligence, and individuals’ rights related to their personal data. These themes are intended to reinforce a culture of accountability and trust within Qatar’s digital environment, while supporting the country’s ongoing digital transformation.

Director of Policy Affairs at NCSA, Eng. Dana Yousif Al Abdulla, noted that the world is entering a phase that demands careful balance—leveraging the power of artificial intelligence and data while protecting individual privacy and applying data minimization principles. She emphasized that these challenges require thoughtful regulation, sound governance, and strategic decision-making to ensure innovation does not come at the expense of fundamental rights.

Al Abdulla stressed that the “Data Privacy Starts with You” campaign was designed to reach a wide audience, including students, professionals, researchers, institutions, and private companies, reflecting the belief that data privacy is a collective commitment, not just a regulatory obligation.

The event also featured specialized seminars and workshops with participation from government entities, private sector representatives, and international experts. Topics included AI compliance, data sharing frameworks, accountability mechanisms, and personal data privacy in health research, alongside international cooperation efforts with the Korean Personal Data Protection Commission.