Oman is among many governments who have urged technology companies to protect user data better. In a joint statement issued by the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), companies were urged to work with governments in developing terms of service that protect and align with user privacy and consent.
The DCO member states include Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Nigeria, Oman, Rwanda, and Saudi Arabia. The Sultanate of Oman’s formal endorsement of the joint statement on Data Privacy, alongside the other member states, ensures the proper protection of citizens’ data privacy online. A consistent, best-practice international standard for data protection is proposed. In Oman, the digital economy program is enabling unprecedented opportunities.
IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach report shows that personal customer data now accounts for 44 percent of all data breaches, making it the most expensive. Data breaches involving personal customer information cost on average $4.24 million per breach in 2021, a 10 percent increase from the year before.
Achieving digital prosperity for everyone is the purpose of the DCO, which aims to accelerate inclusive growth in the digital economy. The DCO brings together governments, the private sector, NGOs, and civil society in order to create more inclusive digital transformation. The members of DCO represent a combined population of more than half a billion.