January 28 is observed globally as Data Protection Day. On this
date in 1981, the world’s first international convention on the
protection of personal data was adopted, Azernews
reports, citing the Electronic Security Service.
Azerbaijan joined the convention in 2009, and in 2010 the
country adopted the Law “On Personal Data.”
The report notes that updated legislation is expected to come
into force this year, aimed at regulating digital risks,
strengthening citizens’ rights, and increasing the obligations and
liability of entities processing personal data.
The Electronic Security Service under the Ministry of Digital
Development and Transport, acting as the authorized body in the
field of personal data protection, prevented potential data
breaches involving the personal information of more than three
million citizens as a result of preventive measures carried out
last year.
At the same time, legal action was taken against more than 40
legal entities that failed to comply with personal data protection
requirements. In accordance with the law, these entities were held
administratively liable.
Within the framework of monitoring activities conducted on
social networks, swift measures were implemented in response to the
illegal dissemination of personal data belonging to more than 3,000
citizens, and the identified violations were eliminated.
It was also reported that this year Azerbaijan plans to
establish a centralized unified database of information systems
that process personal data. The initiative aims to ensure proper
registration of such systems nationwide, as well as to enhance
transparency and oversight in the field of personal data
protection.