Digital Safety and Security Clinic: Protecting Health Rihts and Trust in Digital Spaces
In commemoration of World Health Day 2026, the Kenya Community Advisory Team (KCAT), under the Digital Health and Rights Project and in partnership with KELIN, convened a Digital Safety and Security Clinic. The session brought together young people, digital rights advocates, and health experts to explore the intersection of digital spaces, health access, and privacy.
Anchored on the theme “Together for health. Stand with science,” the discussion emphasized that digital platforms are now central to how young people access health information, but these spaces are not inherently safe, trustworthy, or protective of users’ rights.
Key Insights from the Discussion
- Normalization of Digital Harm and Silence
Young participants openly shared their uncertainty and hesitation in responding to online harassment, often choosing silence. This reflects a broader culture where digital harm is minimized or ignored, allowing unsafe environments to persist. - Unquestioned Data Sharing and Privacy Risks
The webinar highlighted how easily young people grant apps access to personal data (contacts, photos, location) without understanding why it is needed. Panelists stressed that such permissions can expose not only individuals but also their networks. A key takeaway was the importance of questioning all data requests and understanding their purpose. - Trust Gap in Digital Health Information
While young people rely heavily on online platforms for health information, there is a significant gap between access and credibility. Participants noted the difficulty in distinguishing evidence-based information from misleading content, which directly impacts health decisions. - Privacy Concerns in Health Facilities
Concerns extended beyond digital platforms to physical health systems. Patients are routinely asked for personal information without clarity on how it is stored or used. This lack of transparency has led some young people to provide false information as a form of self-protection, highlighting deep mistrust in data handling practices. - Everyday Digital Actions as Sources of Harm
Experts emphasized that digital harm is often subtle and unintentional, such as sharing screenshots or private conversations. These actions can lead to stigma, bullying, blackmail, and loss of trust, particularly for sensitive health issues like sexual and reproductive health. - Cultural Normalization of Non-Consensual Sharing
The discussion raised concern over the widespread sharing of private or explicit content without consent, often followed by victim-blaming. Such behaviors are normalized as entertainment, yet they have long-term consequences on mental health, education, and relationships. - Platform Design and Responsibility
Participants noted that digital platforms are designed to maximize engagement rather than user safety. This design encourages rapid sharing without reflection, amplifying harm—even when users have no malicious intent.
Real-Life Impacts
Case examples illustrated how digital harm affects health-seeking behavior:
- Individuals avoiding care after privacy breaches
- Delayed treatment due to misinformation
- Withdrawal from school or social spaces following exposure
These examples reinforced that digital harm has tangible, real-world consequences.
Recommendations and Way Forward
- Promote critical evaluation of online health information
- Strengthen personal digital safety practices (privacy settings, passwords, consent)
- Increase awareness of data rights and responsible sharing
- Enforce legal frameworks such as Kenya’s Data Protection Act (2019)
- Hold digital platforms accountable for user safety by design
Conclusion
The webinar underscored that digital safety is inseparable from physical and mental health. Young people should not have to choose between accessing health information and protecting their privacy and dignity. Achieving safer digital health ecosystems requires collective responsibility, from individuals, institutions, policymakers, and technology platforms.
Ultimately, digital spaces are extensions of real life. Ensuring they are safe, trustworthy, and rights-respecting is essential to protecting the wellbeing of young people.
