Telecom Consumers Urge FG to Enhance Data Privacy Protections

On World Consumer Day in Lagos, Dr. Sina Bilesanmi, representing the Association of Telecommunications Cable TV Internet Subscribers (ATCI), called on the Nigerian federal government to prioritize the safeguarding of telecom consumers' data privacy. He emphasized the need for every subscriber in Nigeria to utilize digital services without fear of physical or financial harm related to data breaches.

Bilesanmi highlighted that the safety of the telecommunications sector should extend beyond physical hardware to include robust data privacy measures to protect against cyber fraud. He urged the government to enforce stricter standards to eliminate substandard mobile devices and cable TV equipment that could pose fire and electrical hazards.

Additionally, he called for transparency in telecom services, free from hidden charges and misleading advertisements, and encouraged consumers to report service failures through platforms like the NCC and FCCPC. The ATCI also requested the establishment of a Nigerian data privacy council to ensure robust surveillance and swift penalties for entities violating consumer safety standards.