Data security must be ensured first-ITSSL

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – The Information Technology Society of Sri Lanka says a system to protect personal information must be implemented, prior to centralising personal information of Sri Lankans.

The Society issuing a statement over the government’s decision to formulate a centralised database which will include personal information of citizens, said the information gathered could be at risk of being misused by various parties.

The Society believes that through such a database the government or any other party could access information such as registered details, phone conversations, health conditions among others aspects that are known only by the respective individual.

The Society said while constitutionally privacy is not considered a fundamental human right, a citizen will have no ability to seek legal action against any discrepancy.

The Information Technology Society of Sri Lanka therefore said while privacy must be constitutionalised, a draft bill that formulates laws for the safety and security of personal data must be ensured.