The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has warned Nigerians on changes of WhatsApp Messenger privacy policy.
Recall that on January 4, 2021, WhatsApp informed its users outside the European Union of its reviewed privacy policy, that it would now share their information with Facebook and its sister companies following its acquisition by Facebook in 2014.
A statement by NITDA’s Head, Corporate Affairs and External Relation, Mrs Hadiza Umar on Tuesday, stated that the agency, in collaboration with the African Network of Data Protection Authorities, confronted the global policy officials of Facebook Incorporated, who are the new owners of WhatsApp platform, on April 9 about the new privacy policy, in order to understand the issues and give an opportunity to explain its views as well as address the growing concerns of Nigerians.
“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.”
NITDA therefore advised Nigerians 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 reads.
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