Topic: Online Surveillance Policy and Laws in Nigeria: Way forward?
Internet surveillance is the monitoring of the online behaviour, activities, or other changing information usually of people and often in a surreptitious manner. It most refers to the observation of individuals or groups by governmental organizations. Surveillance may refer to observation from a distance by means of an electronic equipment such as CCTV cameras, or interception of electronically transmitted information such as internet traffic or phone calls. It may also refer to simple or relatively low technology methods such as human intelligence agents and postal interception.
Online surveillance is currently being addressed, as the government has signified interest in carrying out surveillance on citizens. This is coming off even without a legal framework that can protect the rights of citizens, should this be abused. Nigeria currently has no Data privacy law, hence if online surveillance is carried out, this will be done at the detriment of the citizens right to internet freedom and data privacy. NCC, the regulatory body for Nigeria’s communications network is making plans towards creating a secondary regulation for the lawful interception of communications by security agencies.
In case you missed the chat with our guest Egghead Odewale, you can check out the conversation below:
Odewale is male, Nigerian and holds a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) degree in Chemistry (with Polymer Science) from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State. He also holds a National Diploma degree in Chemical Engineering Technology from the Federal Polytechnic, Bida in same state in the north central region of Nigeria.
This young chemist has garnered a combination local and international work experiences in social and development work, spanning especially the West Africa sub-region. He has worked variously with regional institutions like the West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF), the Economic Community of West African States and recently, the West African Bar Association as Programme Officer (Youth), Consultant (Youth and Students’ Affairs) and Integration and External Linkages Officer respectively
He prides himself as a pan-Africanist has an excellent understanding of English, French and Yoruba languages. He also has a working knowledge of Arabic, Hausa, Portuguese and Spanish.