The Regulation on Personal Data Protection and Oath-Taking in Somalia is designed to ensure that personal data is handled responsibly and ethically. In accordance with this regulation, data can only be obtained with the explicit knowledge and consent of the individual it pertains to. The National Identification & Registration Authority (NIRA) of Somalia is responsible for informing individuals about the purpose and scope of data collection and obtaining their explicit consent when necessary. Furthermore, personal data should only be collected and processed for specific, legitimate purposes that have been clearly communicated to the individuals involved. Under no circumstances should data be used for any other purposes without obtaining additional consent. NIRA will collect and retain only the minimum amount of personal data necessary to fulfill the intended purpose, avoiding unnecessary or excessive data collection. To ensure the security of personal data, adequate measures will be implemented to protect against unauthorized access, loss, or damage. This includes technical safeguards such as encryption, access controls, and secure storage, as well as measures taken by the Authority, such as staff training and regular security audits

Individuals have certain rights over their personal data, including the right to access and rectify it. Organizations must have procedures in place to handle data subject requests and ensure that these rights are respected. Oath-taking is an important aspect of maintaining ethical conduct and professionalism. By taking an oath, individuals publicly pledge to fulfill their duties and responsibilities with honesty, fairness, and adherence to specific standards or codes of practice. Before commencing work at NIRA, staff members are required to take the oath of data protection as mandated by the establishment Act of the Authority. This emphasizes their commitment to upholding the principles of personal data protection. It is essential that individuals or organizations entrusted with personal data do not transfer it to unauthorized parties. Any person entrusted with personal data stored in the Agency’s database is responsible and accountable for any actions that go against the principles of personal data protection. Oath-taking at NIRA carries both legal and moral implications. Violating the terms of an oath may result in legal consequences and penalties. Taking an oath is a solemn promise and commitment made by individuals to uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct.

NIRA Statement on Data Protection and Oath-taking Regulations:
“Data Protection and Oath-Taking are key principles at the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA). We are committed to handling your personal data responsibly, ethically and only with your explicit consent. Our team is trained to protect your data against unauthorized access, loss or damage. You have the right to access and rectify your data anytime. Before starting their roles, all NIRA staff members took an oath of data protection, pledging their commitment to uphold these vital principles. We believe in transparency, integrity and the highest standard of ethical conduct. Your trust in us is paramount and we are dedicated to preserving it.”