COVID-19: Group Calls for Digital Right Reform, Privacy Protection
AREWA AGENDA – A Digital Rights Organization, Paradigm Initiative Nigeria (PIN) has called for critical reforms in Digital Rights in Nigeria especially as it affects consumer privacy and third party access.
This was stated in a virtual press conference Tuesday by the groups Digital Inclusion Program Manager, Mr. Tosin Abolaji.
Following outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, Nigerian Telecoms operator, MTN has, availed the Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) consumer data to enable it send general SMS to Nigerians on the pandemic, a move that could mean user data is insecure.
But PIN, which has for over a decade been at the forefront of championing digital inclusion and digital rights in Africa said that MTN, has no power to use, distribute or grant third-party access for the processing of user data without requisite user consent.
Unconfirmed report has claimed that the Federal Health Agency, NCDC, had spent over 1billion Naira on TELCO’s in sending these messages.
However, in a tweet posted on its official Twitter handle on Thursday, April 9, the NCDC described the report as false. The agency explained that its communication to Nigerians through SMS has been largely provided as “in-kind support” by Nigeria’s major telecommunication companies.
Also reacting, Telecoms giant, MTN Nigeria, through its Chief Corporate Service Officer, Tobechukwu Okigbo, denied sharing identifiable user data with any third party stating that, the company’s contribution to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control as well as to Federal and State Governments through the Nigerian Governors Forum has been “to ensure they can stay connected, have the data they need to target response including a bespoke vulnerability assessment for each state, and can continue to deliver governance remotely during this period.”
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In countering the claims, Paradigm Initiative Nigeria said that regardless of the intention, the reported or potential sharing of personal data by MTN with the NGF would constitute a breach of users trust and a violation of their right to the privacy of their data, especially if the data being shared are personally identifiable.
Need for Reform
In line with its mandate to build ICT-enabled support systems and advocates for digital rights, is also championing critical policy interventions such as campaigns leading the advocacy for the passage of the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill in Nigeria and mobilizing and coordinating advocacy against emerging legislations on “Fake News” and Hate Speech in Africa.
This according to Mr. Abolaji will ensure, “legislation restricting the civic space for citizens, bloggers, and Journalists.” Doesn’t thrive.
Going Virtual for Digital Inclusion
On his part, Mr. Adeboye Adegoke, Digital Rights Program Manager, PIN, disclosed that as part of the Organizations response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, it has moved all the Organizations Digital Inclusion processes and activities online, working remotely, and leveraging on virtual tools to engage its student.
This he said is in view of the fact that the internet plays a very important role in serving as a “lifeline that enables children to continue learning; families and friends to stay connected; and vital public health information to keep circulating.” In this uncertain times.
He further stated that, “Access to the Internet and its solutions can create healthier and safer communities, reduce vulnerabilities, and help build the resilience communities need to navigate this pandemic and emerge better prepared in the future.”
Digital Rights Violation Reporting Platform
PIN announced that work has now started on a platform that would allow people to report cases of digital rights violations. The platform will serve to collate cases of violations across the continent and it will allow PIN and it’s partners to coordinate best responses.
According to PIN, “Our goal is to ensure that no violation goes under the radar and also to create a safe space for citizens to report violations without fear and intimidation.
It promised to continue to provide more information on this as the platform development continues.
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