Telecom consumers ask FG to safeguard data privacy

A telecom consumers’ group has urged the Federal Government to ensure safety of telecom consumers’ data hosted by government agencies. The telecom consumers, who made the appeal via the president of Association of Telecommunications, Cable TV and Internet Subscribers (ATCIS), Dr Sina Bilesanmi, in Lagos yesterday, said their data are being jeopardised by some of […]

A telecom consumers’ group has urged the Federal Government to ensure safety of telecom consumers’ data hosted by government agencies.

The telecom consumers, who made the appeal via the president of Association of Telecommunications, Cable TV and Internet Subscribers (ATCIS), Dr Sina Bilesanmi, in Lagos yesterday, said their data are being jeopardised by some of its agencies.

Speaking at the World Consumers Day in Lagos, Bilesanmi said the government should ensure that every subscriber in Nigeria can use digital service without fear of physical, financial, or data-related harm.

The ACTIS president said safety in the telecommunication sector extends beyond physical hardware to include data privacy and protection from cyber fraud.

“We call for stricter enforcement by the Standard organization of Nigeria (SON) to eliminate substandard mobile devices and Cable Tv equipment that pose fire or electric hazards.

“We also want safe services from telecoms that are transparent – free from hidden charges and misleading advertisements”, he said.

He urged subscribers to utilize platforms like ACTIS as well as NCC and even FCCPC web portal when they encounter service failures.

He also tasked FG on hosting Nigerian Data Privacy in the country.

He said: “We ask for more robust surveillance and swifter penalties for entities that violate consumer safety standards. We admonish the subscribers to be aware and speak out, a vigilant consumer is a protected consumer.”