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Benin Digital Code

View Law Text
Maximum Fine
XOF 50M
Scope
National
Regulator
APDP
Enacted
2018

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Overview

The Benin Digital Code establishes comprehensive requirements for the processing of personal data, enforced by the Data Protection Authority (APDP).

Key Facts

  • Enacted in 2018
  • Enforced by Data Protection Authority (APDP)
  • Includes strict data protection requirements

Key Principles

Lawful Processing

Personal data must be processed lawfully and with proper authorization.

Requirements

  • Obtain valid consent
  • Identify legal basis
  • Document processing grounds
  • Regular compliance reviews
  • Maintain processing records

Examples

  • Consent mechanisms
  • Legal basis documentation
  • Processing records
  • Compliance reports

Transparency

Data processing must be transparent to data subjects.

Requirements

  • Provide clear privacy notices
  • Inform of processing purposes
  • Disclose data sharing
  • Update privacy information
  • Document communications

Examples

  • Privacy notices
  • Processing notifications
  • Communication records
  • Information updates

Data Security

Implementation of appropriate security measures to protect personal data.

Requirements

  • Implement security controls
  • Regular risk assessments
  • Staff training
  • Incident response plans
  • Security monitoring

Examples

  • Security policies
  • Training programs
  • Incident procedures
  • Monitoring systems

Compliance Requirements

Registration Requirements

Organizations must register with the Data Protection Authority before processing personal data.

Implementation Steps

  • Submit registration application
  • Document processing activities
  • Pay registration fees
  • Maintain registration status
  • Update when changes occur

Required Documentation

  • Registration certificates
  • Processing records
  • Payment receipts
  • Status updates
  • Change notifications

Data Protection Measures

Implementation of appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal data.

Implementation Steps

  • Conduct risk assessments
  • Implement security controls
  • Train staff on security
  • Regular security audits
  • Document security measures

Required Documentation

  • Security policies
  • Risk assessments
  • Training records
  • Audit reports
  • Security documentation

Cross-Border Transfers

Requirements for transferring personal data outside Benin.

Implementation Steps

  • Assess recipient country adequacy
  • Implement transfer safeguards
  • Obtain necessary approvals
  • Document transfers
  • Monitor compliance

Required Documentation

  • Transfer assessments
  • Safeguard documentation
  • Approval records
  • Transfer logs
  • Monitoring reports

Enforcement & Penalties

Administrative Penalties

The Data Protection Authority can impose administrative penalties for violations of the Digital Code.

Penalty Categories

Severe Violations
Up to XOF 50M
For serious breaches of data protection requirements
Processing Violations
Up to XOF 20M
For unauthorized processing of personal data
Registration Failures
Up to XOF 10M
For failure to register or maintain registration

Example Cases

Telecom Provider
XOF 30M
2022 - Unauthorized data sharing with third parties
Financial Institution
XOF 15M
2023 - Insufficient security measures leading to data breach

Criminal Penalties

Serious violations may result in criminal prosecution.

Penalty Categories

Intentional Violations
Up to XOF 100M and imprisonment
For deliberate violations of the law
False Information
Up to XOF 25M
For providing false information to authorities
Obstruction
Up to XOF 15M
For obstructing investigations

Example Cases

Data Breach Cover-up
XOF 40M
2023 - Intentional concealment of major data breach
Compliance Violation
XOF 20M
2022 - Repeated non-compliance with authority orders