Data Security: NITDA Advises Nigerians On WhatsApp Privacy Policy Changes

The federal government through the National Information
Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has warned Nigerians to be
wary of the new WhatsApp Messenger privacy policy to avoid dire
consequences.

WhatsApp shared a reviewed Privacy Policy on January 4,
informing its users outside the European Union that it would now
share their information with Facebook and its sister companies
following the acquisition of WhatsApp by Facebook in 2014.

In a statement released on Tuesday by the Head, Corporate
Affairs and External Relation, Mrs Hadiza Umar, the agency stated
that to understand the issues and give an opportunity to explain
its views as well as address the growing concerns of Nigerians,
NITDA in collaboration with the African Network of Data Protection
Authorities, confronted the global policy officials of Facebook
Incorporated, the owners of WhatsApp platform, on April 9 about the
new privacy policy.

According to Mrs. Umar: ‘The Facebook Team confirmed that
private messages shared on WhatsApp consumer version are encrypted
and not seen by the company. But the metadata (data about the usage
of the service) which is also personal information is shared with
other members of the Facebook Group.’

She said that as a result, Nigerians are advised to explore
other available platforms with similar functionalities, but tighter
privacy policies and security.

‘More also, they should limit the sharing of sensitive personal
information on private messaging and social media platforms as the
initial promise of privacy and security is now being overridden on
the bases of business exigency.

‘To improve compliance with the NDPR, we have also raised
concerns as to the marked difference between the privacy standard
applicable in Europe, under the GDPR and the rest of the world.

‘Nigeria’s engagement with Facebook continues. NITDA, with
stakeholders, is exploring all options to ensure Nigerians do not
become victims of digital colonialism. Our national security,
dignity and individual privacy are cherished considerations we must
not lose. Because of this, we shall work with the Federal Ministry
of Communications and Digital Economy to organize a hackathon for
Nigerians to pitch solutions that can provide services that will
provide functional alternatives to existing global social
platforms,’ the statement further read.

The federal government through the National Information
Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has warned Nigerians to be
wary of the new WhatsApp Messenger privacy policy to avoid dire
consequences.

WhatsApp shared a reviewed Privacy Policy on January 4,
informing its users outside the European Union that it would now
share their information with Facebook and its sister companies
following the acquisition of WhatsApp by Facebook in 2014.

In a statement released on Tuesday by the Head, Corporate
Affairs and External Relation, Mrs Hadiza Umar, the agency stated
that to understand the issues and give an opportunity to explain
its views as well as address the growing concerns of Nigerians,
NITDA in collaboration with the African Network of Data Protection
Authorities, confronted the global policy officials of Facebook
Incorporated, the owners of WhatsApp platform, on April 9 about the
new privacy policy.

According to Mrs. Umar: ‘The Facebook Team confirmed that
private messages shared on WhatsApp consumer version are encrypted
and not seen by the company. But the metadata (data about the usage
of the service) which is also personal information is shared with
other members of the Facebook Group.’

She said that as a result, Nigerians are advised to explore
other available platforms with similar functionalities, but tighter
privacy policies and security.

‘More also, they should limit the sharing of sensitive personal
information on private messaging and social media platforms as the
initial promise of privacy and security is now being overridden on
the bases of business exigency.

‘To improve compliance with the NDPR, we have also raised
concerns as to the marked difference between the privacy standard
applicable in Europe, under the GDPR and the rest of the world.

‘Nigeria’s engagement with Facebook continues. NITDA, with
stakeholders, is exploring all options to ensure Nigerians do not
become victims of digital colonialism. Our national security,
dignity and individual privacy are cherished considerations we must
not lose. Because of this, we shall work with the Federal Ministry
of Communications and Digital Economy to organize a hackathon for
Nigerians to pitch solutions that can provide services that will
provide functional alternatives to existing global social
platforms,’ the statement further read.