Data Protection Day 2026: Building Trust in a Digital Seychelles
Today, Seychelles joins the rest of the world in marking Data Protection Day 2026. This day is a time to reflect on how important it is to keep personal information safe, especially as more parts of our lives are moving online. From managing bank accounts and applying for government services, to visiting the doctor or using learning platforms, we are increasingly sharing personal data in digital spaces.
28 January is recognised globally as Data Protection Day, marking the anniversary of the signing of Convention 108, the first legally binding international treaty focused on privacy and data protection. Seychelles has been a signatory to this convention since 1981, showing its early and ongoing commitment to protecting personal information. This global recognition is matched by local progress, including the recent introduction of the Data Protection Act 2023, which gives people in Seychelles the ability to exercise their rights to personal data privacy more clearly and effectively.
Every time someone fills out an online form, makes a payment, or uses an app, personal details such as names, ID numbers, health records and financial information may be shared. These details can help make services faster, more convenient and more efficient but they must be protected. When data is handled with care and stored securely, people feel safer and more confident about using digital services. To support this, Seychelles has introduced a strong legal framework through the Data Protection Act, 2023. This law gives people important rights over their personal data. Individuals have the right to know what information is being collected about them, how it is being used and who it is shared with. If something is incorrect, or no longer necessary, they can ask for it to be corrected or deleted. These rights give people more control over their information.
The law also places clear responsibilities on organisations that collect and use data. This includes businesses, government departments, schools, charities and others. They must follow proper procedures when handling personal information. This means collecting only what is needed, protecting it from unauthorised access and being open about how the information is used. These rules are there to ensure fairness, safety and respect for every individual. One of the main aims of the law is to make sure that privacy is not an afterthought. Instead, it should be built into digital services from the very beginning. When privacy and protection are part of the design, it helps prevent problems before they happen and ensures better outcomes for everyone. This approach builds trust between the public and the organisations that serve them.
This year’s theme for Data Protection Day is “Empowering Individuals to Take Control of Their Data”, encouraging people to understand their rights and make informed choices about their personal information. In addition, Data Privacy Week 2026, which begins today, carries the theme “Prioritise Privacy by Design”. Both themes highlight the increasing importance of data protection in today’s digital world and encourage individuals and organisations alike to take practical steps to strengthen privacy and data security. This may include actions such as enabling privacy settings, asking questions before sharing data, updating privacy policies, or designing digital tools with data protection built in from the beginning.
The Information Commission is the national body responsible for making sure the rules are followed. It provides guidance, helps raise awareness and works with organisations to improve their practices. If a problem arises or someone’s rights are not respected, the Commission can step in and take action. On this Data Protection Day, all organisations across Seychelles are encouraged to take a close look at how they collect, store and use personal data. This may include reviewing policies, strengthening staff training and updating systems to improve data security. Small changes can make a big difference in keeping information safe.
Members of the public are also encouraged to learn more about their rights and take an interest in how their information is handled. Everyone has a role to play in building a safer digital society. When people know their rights and organisations do their part, the whole country benefits. As Seychelles continues to grow and modernise its digital services, data protection remains a shared responsibility. By working together, we can create a digital future that protects people’s privacy, strengthens trust and supports the progress of our nation.
