The National Authority for the Protection of Personal Data (ANPDP) has made headlines with its recent call to all e-commerce operators, urging them to implement necessary organizational and technical measures to safeguard the confidentiality and security of personal data. This announcement, which came on March 3, 2025, is aimed at ensuring the protection of individuals' privacy during online transactions, aligning with the mandates of the country's law 18-07 concerning the protection of personal data.
The ANPDP highlighted the significance of maintaining consumer trust, stating, "For secure access guaranteeing the protection of personal data of consumers and clients, and ensuring a climate of confidence in e-commerce operations, the National Authority for the Protection of Personal Data invites all stakeholders operating within the e-commerce sector to take the necessary organizational and technical measures to guarantee the confidentiality and security of personal data processing and to protect against destruction, loss, disclosure, or unauthorized access during e-commerce transactions, with the aim of protecting individual privacy, according to the provisions of law 18-07 relating to the protection of individuals with respect to the processing of personal data."
Such measures are not only recommended but required under law 18-07, which also compels e-commerce merchants and operators to declare any processing of data through the Authority's digital portal at https://portail.anpdp.dz. This declaration is part of the broader effort to regulate how personal data is managed and processed online, ensuring consumer rights are not compromised.
ANPDP calls on merchants and other actors within e-commerce to comply strictly with the requirements of law 18-07. They insisted, "Acting as data controllers under the provisions of law 18-07, merchants and stakeholders operating through websites, pages, or electronic applications are required to declare any data processing through the Authority's digital portal." This highlights the legal responsibility merchants hold concerning how they process personal information of their customers.
The necessity for these regulations stems from growing concerns over data breaches and privacy violations worldwide. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of their rights and the importance of data protection, raising expectations for businesses to adhere to high standards of data management. Protecting consumer privacy not only builds trust but also fosters long-term relationships between e-commerce businesses and their customers.
ANPDP representatives also emphasized the means through which e-commerce merchants can seek clarification and assistance. Merchants are encouraged to reach out to ANPDP services via the email provided on their official website at www.anpdp.dz. The provision of these resources indicates ANPDP’s commitment to ensuring compliance and offering support to businesses as they navigate the legal obligations surrounding personal data processing.
By urging e-commerce operators to adhere to these guidelines and legal frameworks, ANPDP aims to create safer digital transactions for consumers. The call to action not only serves as a reminder of the importance of data protection but also positions consumers as active participants who should demand transparency and accountability from the businesses with whom they choose to interact.
With the continued growth of e-commerce, these measures are more relevant now than ever, as they reflect the shifting dynamics of consumer expectations. The relationship between data management and consumer trust is pivotal, and e-commerce operators must strike the right balance between utilizing consumer information for business growth and preserving individual privacy.
Overall, ANPDP's call reinforces the commitment to adapt to the changing expectations and regulatory frameworks surrounding data privacy. It signals the start of proactive measures from e-commerce operators to protect the personal data of consumers, ensuring compliance with the law and fostering consumer confidence moving forward.