THE PROLIFERATION OF LOCATION BASED SERVICES IN KENYA: AN ASSESSMENT OF PRIVACY AND AI CONSIDERATIONS

Summary

This report presents an in-depth analysis of the growing use of location-based services (LBS) in Kenya, focusing on their implications for privacy and Artificial intelligence (AI). LBS, which utilize geolocation data to offer tailored services and information, have become an integral part of daily life, influencing sectors such as transportation, delivery, and social networking. The widespread use of smartphones has further facilitated access to these services, making them ubiquitous in Kenyan society.

The report begins by examining the legal framework governing data protection in Kenya, with a particular emphasis on the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and the Data Protection Act of 2019. These laws establish individual rights concerning personal data and outline the responsibilities of data controllers and processors. The report underscores the importance of adhering to these regulations to safeguard user privacy and ensure responsible data management.

A significant portion of the report evaluates the privacy policies of various LBS platforms, including Jumia Food, Glovo, Uber, and Bolt, using a traffic light assessment tool. The findings indicate a mixed performance: while platforms like Glovo exhibit strong privacy practices, others, such as Bolt, need substantial improvements. The report highlights the critical need for explicit user consent before personal data is shared with third parties, stressing that transparency in data sharing is essential for building trust between users and service providers. It also underscores the necessity of robust data security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access and misuse. While some platforms have made progress in enhancing security protocols, there remains a need for clearer communication about these measures to users.

The report advocates for the continuous updating of privacy policies to align with evolving data protection laws and to address emerging privacy risks associated with LBS. It also calls for the enactment of standalone legislation specifically addressing location data to ensure comprehensive user protection. By improving transparency, securing informed consent, and strengthening data security, LBS platforms can better protect user privacy and foster a more trustworthy environment for consumers in Kenya.