Paradigm Initiative, a Pan-African social enterprise, has sounded the alarm over the discovery of a website selling sensitive personal data of Nigerians, including National Identification Numbers (NIN) and Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), for as little as N100.

According to Paradigm Initiative, the website AnyVerify.com.ng is involved in the commercial distribution of private data, claiming to offer services that verify identities using NIN, BVN, International Passport, Driving License, Voter’s Card, and more.

A visit to the site by Nairametrics confirmed these claims, indicating the site has access to various government databases.

“This alarming development presents a major breach of the fundamental rights to privacy, a breach of data privacy rights, and poses significant risks to individuals and the national economy,” Paradigm Initiative said in a statement.

The organization emphasized that the unauthorized access and sale of personal data could lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and other malicious activities, putting millions of Nigerians at risk.

In response to this serious breach, Paradigm Initiative, through its legal partners Vindich Legal, has served a pre-action notice to several government agencies.

These include the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

The organization highlighted the severe implications of this data breach, warning that it could undermine the stability of Nigeria’s banking system and compromise national security.

The unauthorized dissemination of driver’s license information and other personal data could be exploited by criminal elements for unlawful activities, posing a threat to public safety.Paradigm Initiative stressed the urgent need for robust data protection laws and stringent enforcement mechanisms to safeguard citizens’ data.

“Fraudulent transactions and identity theft can erode public trust in financial institutions, potentially leading to a financial crisis,” the organization stated, noting the recent findings of significant losses suffered by Nigerian financial institutions due to digital manipulation.

The discovery of these unauthorized websites underscores significant gaps in data protection and cybersecurity measures in Nigeria. Paradigm Initiative is calling for immediate action to address these vulnerabilities and protect the personal data of Nigerian citizens from exploitation and abuse.

Source: Nairametrics

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TECHDIGEST – Lagos State has firmly placed itself on the global map after it braced all odds to emerge regional leader in the Africa start-up ecosystem, leaving cities like Nairobi, Kenya; Johannesburg, South Africa; Dakar, Senegal and Accra, Ghana trailing in influence and in start-up funding.

This is also as 35 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital city, Abuja, are struggling to catch up with the pace of development in terms of start-up economy.

The state alone is home to over 400 start-ups, representing about 88 per cent of the total number of start-ups in the country.

A 2023 global start-up ecosystem report by Startup Genome revealed that in 2022, Lagos became the regional leader in ecosystem values and early-stage funding.

According to the report, in the ecosystem values, Lagos led these regions with a total of $8.43 billion, while Nairobi, Johannesburg, Dakar and Accra got $7 billion, $3 billion, $2 billion and $1 billion respectively.

Also in early-stage funding, Lagos led with 0.82 billion, while Nairobi, Johannesbourg, Darkar and Accra respectively pitched at 0.34 billion, 0.27 billion, 0.00 billion and 0.04 billion each.

READ ALSO: GTA Summit: Nigeria to play pivotal roles in upscaling African tech ecosystem

Meanwhile, the report noted that Lagos city with its population of 24 million residents boasts of over 400 startups and is home to approximately 88 percent of Nigeria’s startups. The city’s dynamic ecosystem has attracted significant attention from investors, leading to the emergence of numerous innovative ventures.

The report said: “Lagos, with a population of about 24 million residents, boasts of over 400 startups and is home to approximately 88 per cent of Nigeria’s startups. The state also holds its place in the 51–60 range of the Emerging Ecosystems ranking.

“The deals that boosted this rise included OPay’s $400 million Series C in August 2021 which was the region’s biggest deal, and Flutterwave’s $250 million Series D in February 2022.”

Different tech experts both within and outside Nigeria have commended the report, asking Nigeria to ensure favourable policies and conditions that can enable the country to replicate the Lagos feat in other states in the country.

They advised that the Nigeria Startup Act, enacted in October 2022 should be depended upon to see that the Lagos’ feat is replicated nationally.

Managing Partner, Nubia Capital, Mr Davidson Oturu, said: “The government should implement the Nigeria Startup Act, a comprehensive law that can transform the startup ecosystem in Nigeria. The government can also play a major role in digital transformation by integrating digital technology into all areas of business, fundamentally changing how startups operate and deliver value to customers.

“Another one is to strengthen infrastructure, including reliable internet access, consistent power supply and efficient transportation systems. Improvements in these areas can make a significant difference in a startup’s ability to operate effectively.

“Improved access to capital: Startups need funding to grow and scale. The government could establish more venture capital funds, offer low-interest loans for startups, or provide tax incentives for investors who support start-ups” he added.

Suggesting how the other 35 Nigerian states and FCT should catch up with Lagos, Chief Revenue and Data Officer at Enterprise Business Information systems, Mr Wale Awosokanre, said: “Lagos has excelled due to key reasons including being the commercial hub, allowing cross fertilisation of skills, needs and opportunities.

“Many start-ups are able to engage commercial enterprises like banks, telecommunication operators, Telcos to integrate and test their solutions which may not be available in other states.

“Knowledge transfer in Lagos is huge as there are many ICT fairs, symposiums, workshops and summer classes, boot camps where experts are able to share knowledge with upcoming developers, architects and would-be start-ups in a friendly, conducive environment.

“Also, most developers migrate to Lagos because of the salary and opportunities to earn much better income as most high paying start-ups are based in Lagos.

“Each State will need to imbibe all the above to ensure growth of start-ups in their states while Lagos needs to increase the existing hub not just in Yaba and Victoria Island but extend same to Agege, Ikorodu, Epe and other locations within the state,” Awosokanre added.

In his opinion, another tech expert, Executive Director at Paradigm Initiative, Mr. Gbenga Sesan said: “This feat was achieved in spite of government, and even in some cases, despite government attempt to frustrate some of the efforts. So the first lesson here is that government should stay out of the way of success except they’re helping.

“A second lesson would be to listen and find out how we got here, and how exactly they can support with a policy environment that can then make this keep happening and possibly get better.”

“A lot more initiatives such as this are needed for aspiring women tech entrepreneurs in Africa.”

Vanguard

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TECHDIGEST – Freedom of expression is a universal human right, a right fundamental to a democratic society which is why it is enshrined in section 39 of the Constitution and Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

Freedom of expression is important for an inclusive participation in society. It also allows citizens to seek out and circulate information, ideas, comments and opinions and hold those in authority to account.

This right extends to the press, providing a platform for multiple voices to be heard.

The principle of freedom of expression and human rights, according to Paradigm Initiative (PIN), must apply not only to traditional media but also to the Internet and all types of emerging media platforms, which will contribute to development, democracy and dialogue.

In a recent press statement by the PIN, Boye Adegoke who leads Paradigm Initiative Digital Rights Programs in Africa, said they acknowledge that it is not an unfettered right and there are legal safeguards to protect those who may be vulnerable and prevent the abuse of these rights.

“However, around the world, there are governments and those wielding power who find many ways to obstruct it.

“The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court reinforced the importance of this right with their recent judgment on the Twitter ban, where it held that access to Twitter, being one of the social media platforms of choice to receive, disseminate and impart information, is one such derivative right that is complementary to the enjoyment of the right to freedom of expression pursuant to the provisions of Article 9 (1) & (2) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Consequently, to derogate from such a right requires lawful justification.

“Although the court made its position clear, the civic space especially online has been shrinking for some time”.

The concerns:

“We saw the passing of the Cybercrimes Act, the rejection of the digital rights and freedoms bill, the initiation of the hate speech and social media bills and now the draft Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries and Conditions for Operating in Nigeria (by the National Information Technology Development Agency)”.

PIN’s call to action goes to all stakeholders involved, thus;

To the legislature: Pass the digital rights and freedom bill to guarantee the rights of Nigerian citizens in the digital age and to promote trust.

The Executive: Engage in a broader consultation to achieve an inclusive, democratic and rights-respecting approach to content and platform regulations – This consultation must be had at a level-playing field for all concerned stakeholders(Private sector, government, human rights organisation and digital rights organisations)

Civil society and citizens must continue to hold government accountable and equally work together with the government for better outputs.

The media must remain dogged to report violations and amplify the voices of citizens who daily use digital platforms to hold the government accountable.

“Finally, to our fellow citizens who hold the highest office in the land. Let us continue to partake in governance and hold all and sundry accountable”, he said.

Source: Tech economy.ng

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TECHDIGEST – Paradigm Initiative, PIN, a tech driven non-governmental organization is organizing a capacity building training for top position in Tech companies and other Tech Startups to create business model that minimize the potential reputational and legal damages.

The event aptly tagged as “Co-creating Paths to Improve tech-based Business Practices in Nigeria Using BHR Standards”
Is aiming to increasing their capacity in building business models and products that meet global standards for human rights protection and data protection.

The workshop is designed for senior positions at tech SMEs, as well as decision make in companies strategy such as CEOs, COOs, founders, CPOs among others.
The event expected goal is;

(i) to lay a solid foundation for a multi-stakeholder dialogue on how to improve tech-based business models in Nigeria while still respecting human rights.

(ii) to assist companies in minimizing the potential reputational or legal damage as a result of human rights violations, as well as a light-hearted discussion on how adhering to this norm could help them stand out given that more consumers are demanding better technology and more transparency.

The event is scheduled for 27th July, 2022, in Ikeja Lagos.

Please register here:
https://forms.gle/UxtNFMpLCvXJkc3n6
Note: Attendance is strictly on Invitation

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