Qatar Continues To Position As Global Leader In Balancing Tech Innovation

Doha, Qatar: By fostering a secure and privacy-focused digital environment, Qatar continues to position itself as a global leader in balancing technological innovation with the fundamental rights of individuals. Qatar's National Vision 2030 emphasises the importance of cybersecurity and protecting personal privacy, ensuring that the country remains at the forefront of responsible digital governance, said Sofiane El Abdi, Partner and Head of cyber security at KPMG in Qatar.

In an interview with The Peninsula, El Abdi highlighted the pivotal role Qatar is playing in the field of cybersecurity and protecting personal privacy. He said, organizations in Qatar and across the region are taking significant steps to enhance their cybersecurity and data privacy and protection measures. Many companies are investing in data privacy and protection initiatives, technologies, audits and trainings as a core tenet of their operations.

As data volumes continue to grow exponentially, ensuring data privacy has become an ongoing challenge. Qatar has responded with a comprehensive approach to tackle these complexities. The establishment of the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) has been pivotal in enforcing data protection regulations and fostering a culture of compliance among businesses and organizations.

The NCSA actively conducts awareness campaigns, educating both individuals and organizations about their rights and responsibilities under the law. Furthermore, Qatar has implemented guidelines for cross-border data transfers, ensuring that personal data leaving the country remains adequately protected, he added.

El Abdi pointed out, complementing these efforts is the National Data Classification Policy, which provides a structured framework for categorizing data based on its sensitivity and criticality. This policy ensures that sensitive and personal information is identified, handled, and protected according to its classification, reducing risks and enhancing data management practices across organizations.

He further said, in today's world, where we rely heavily on technology and stay connected online, our personal data is constantly being collected, used, accessed, and shared. The Data Privacy Day, which takes place annually on January 28, highlights the importance of protecting personal information and adopting strong privacy practices. From the early days of the internet to the rise of smart devices and Artificial Intelligence, personal data has become more vulnerable than ever. Qatar has taken strong steps to protect people's privacy and ensure its laws meet global standards.”

“Qatar has emerged as a regional leader in data privacy protection, setting a high standard through its proactive measures and forward-thinking policies. In 2016, Qatar became the first country in the Gulf and the third in the Arab world to introduce a dedicated data protection law-the Personal Data Privacy Protection Law (PDPPL)”.

This landmark legislation reflects Qatar's commitment to safeguarding individual privacy rights and aligning with global standards. By granting individuals control over their data-such as the right to access, correct, or delete information-the law empowers citizens while holding organizations accountable with strict penalties of up to QR5,000,000 for non-compliance. This pioneering move has not only strengthened Qatar's digital governance but also established a benchmark for neighboring countries, fostering trust and encouraging foreign investment in its secure digital economy, El Abdi added.

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