The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Commission (NDIC) has issued a significant advisory, urging Nigerians to exercise caution when downloading applications that request access to their personal information, including contact details, images, and Short Message Service (SMS) content. This request, commonly made by certain apps, poses significant security risks and potential threats to users’ privacy.
Bello Hassan, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NDIC, delivered this warning during the Finance and Business Online Publishers (FiBOP) 2023 Conference in Lagos, which centered on the theme, “Mitigating Risk and Insecurity Using Insurance and Technology in a Challenging Economy.” He strongly advised the public not to grant such access to app owners, as it could be detrimental to their personal security and data privacy.
Hawwau Gambo, representing the NDIC boss at the event, elaborated on the issue. Some apps available for download on platforms like the Play Store offer digital payment services. However, a number of these apps operate illicitly. When users install them, they often request access to their contacts, photos, and SMS messages. Unfortunately, once granted access, these apps surreptitiously gather users’ sensitive information, such as text messages and photographs.
Read Also: FG, States, LGs Shared N903.480 Billion In September: FAAC
This intrusive data collection serves a sinister purpose. If users receive a line of credit but fail to meet their repayment obligations, these apps may use the stored personal information to send messages to their contacts, sometimes accompanied by the user’s image. This unethical practice is not limited to Nigeria; it’s an international concern. The NDIC referred to a recent BBC investigative report highlighting the malicious activities of an infamous Indian company. This company had pushed people to the brink, even driving some to commit suicide. They had a particularly disturbing tactic: taking a user’s face and superimposing it onto explicit images, which were then sent to the user’s contacts, including family members.
The NDIC emphasized the need for greater vigilance and regulation on app distribution platforms such as Google and Apple. They stressed that collaboration and information sharing are essential, not only on the part of regulators but also through extensive media coverage to raise awareness and prompt regulatory action. They also acknowledged the media’s role in holding them accountable and helping them develop strategies for intervention.
Dr. Tunde Ahmed Popoola, Managing Director of the CRC Credit Bureau, further emphasized individual responsibility. He highlighted the importance of thoroughly reading terms and conditions when opening bank accounts and downloading apps. Popoola stressed the need to question why an app requires access to certain information and to make informed decisions regarding access requests.
In summary, NDIC’s advisory warns against granting unnecessary access to personal information and stresses the importance of user discretion when downloading apps. The public and media’s collective awareness and vigilance are vital in addressing these security and privacy concerns.
