Ignorance of digital rights puts young Nigerians at risk, experts warn

Experts have warned that many young Nigerians are vulnerable to data breaches and privacy violations as they remain unaware of their digital rights despite existing legal frameworks. Our correspondent reports that the experts raised the concerns during a One-Day Digital Rights Roundtable Engagement for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Makurdi, Benue State. Country Director of […]

Experts have warned that many young Nigerians are vulnerable to data breaches and privacy violations as they remain unaware of their digital rights despite existing legal frameworks.

Our correspondent reports that the experts raised the concerns during a One-Day Digital Rights Roundtable Engagement for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Makurdi, Benue State.

Country Director of Accountability Lab Nigeria, Friday Odeh, leading the experts in conversation, noted the need to strengthen public awareness and enforcement of digital privacy laws, including the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023 and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).

“Many individuals are unaware of their rights, while data administrators and collectors often fail to uphold their responsibilities in safeguarding sensitive information,” Odeh noted.

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He posited that personal data breaches frequently go unreported, leaving citizens, particularly those at the grassroots, exposed to exploitation without their knowledge.

He added that the roundtable engagement aimed to bridge the gap by equipping CSOs with the necessary knowledge and tools to understand data privacy laws and advocate for stronger enforcement.

Odeh also stressed the need for increased reporting of data privacy violations through platforms like Ripoti, urging stakeholders to hold key actors accountable.

Meanwhile, the participants, including CSO representatives, government officials and media practitioners, commended the initiative, calling it timely given the growing digital activities that impact Nigerian society.