Nigerian states and the federal government have been using surveillance technologies to snoop on citizens’ data and communications on their devices, according to a report. A report by the Action Group on Free Civic Space said the government is using the technologies to track down rights activists, journalists, opposition politicians, and other targeted citizens. The report acknowledges Nigeria’s security challenges “that threaten to tear its sovereign fabric apart” – such that the Nigerian government is deploying technology and anti-technological means to curb terrorist activities. From the ₦4.8 billion, N1.93 billion was earmarked for ‘WhatsApp Intercept Solution’ and N2.93 billion for ‘Thuraya Interception Solution’ – a communications system used for monitoring voice calls or call-related information, SMS, data traffic, among others. It also indicted Nigerian telecommunication companies (Telcos) who gave their cooperation to the government’s ploy to stifle free speech and abuse of digital rights.

Source: The Guardian December 09, 2021 05:32 UTC