The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has warned the public against sharing candidates’ examination results on social media without their knowledge or consent.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over the circulation of Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) results on social media platforms, where candidates’ personal information may be exposed without permission.
The warning has been issued through the Data Protection Authority, which says examination results constitute personal data under the Data Protection Act, 2024, as they relate to identified individuals and form part of their private academic records.
According to the Authority, the law requires the processing of personal data, including its disclosure and publication, to have a lawful basis and to respect the rights and freedoms of individuals.
It says publishing or sharing another person’s examination results without a lawful basis may therefore constitute a breach of the Data Protection Act.
The Authority has specifically cautioned against sharing screenshots, photographs, videos or any other content containing an individual’s examination results where the disclosure has not been authorised or permitted by law.
Such conduct, it says, may attract both civil and criminal liability, including penalties, compensation claims and prosecution.
The Authority has reminded the public that examination results are protected personal data and should not be disclosed or published without the individual’s prior and explicit consent.
It has also urged members of the public to desist from unlawful practices and respect the privacy of examination candidates.
“Any reported violations will be investigated and appropriate enforcement action will be taken in accordance with the Data Protection Act,” the Authority said.
Members of the public who believe that their personal data has been unlawfully disclosed have been encouraged to report the matter to the Authority for redress.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over the circulation of Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) results on social media platforms, where candidates’ personal information may be exposed without permission.
The warning has been issued through the Data Protection Authority, which says examination results constitute personal data under the Data Protection Act, 2024, as they relate to identified individuals and form part of their private academic records.
According to the Authority, the law requires the processing of personal data, including its disclosure and publication, to have a lawful basis and to respect the rights and freedoms of individuals.
It says publishing or sharing another person’s examination results without a lawful basis may therefore constitute a breach of the Data Protection Act.
The Authority has specifically cautioned against sharing screenshots, photographs, videos or any other content containing an individual’s examination results where the disclosure has not been authorised or permitted by law.
Such conduct, it says, may attract both civil and criminal liability, including penalties, compensation claims and prosecution.
The Authority has reminded the public that examination results are protected personal data and should not be disclosed or published without the individual’s prior and explicit consent.
It has also urged members of the public to desist from unlawful practices and respect the privacy of examination candidates.
“Any reported violations will be investigated and appropriate enforcement action will be taken in accordance with the Data Protection Act,” the Authority said.
Members of the public who believe that their personal data has been unlawfully disclosed have been encouraged to report the matter to the Authority for redress.
