Digital rights and inclusion advocacy group, Paradigm Initiative has commended the National Assembly of The Gambia for passing the Personal Data Protection and Privacy Bill, a legal framework to safeguard citizens’ personal information.

The group in a statement, on Friday, urged President Adama Barrow to sign the legislation without delay, stressing that such action will demonstrate the country’s commitment to global best practices in data governance, privacy and human rights.

The digital group said, “The passage of this bill is the culmination of years of collective advocacy and engagement by civil society, policymakers, and stakeholders.”

Recalling a session convened in June 2025 with government representatives, law enforcement officers, civil societies and members of the private sectors in The Gambia, the organisation emphasized the implications of the bill for rights-based governance.

Describing data as the lifeblood of the digital economy, PIN stated that the misuse of data would have devastating consequences for individuals and institutions.

“Data is the lifeblood of the digital economy, and its misuse can have devastating consequences for individuals and institutions alike. With the adoption of this Act, The Gambia will join a growing number of African nations taking proactive steps to guarantee privacy rights on the continent,” PIN stated.

“As The Gambia becomes increasingly reliant on digital technology in law enforcement and governance, the protection of personal data has emerged as a pressing concern. While the 1997 Constitution recognised the right to privacy, the absence of a comprehensive legal framework often left data subjects vulnerable to misuse and breaches of their personal information,” the group added.