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Joint statement : Digital Rights Protection in Nigeria

Illustration : Déclaration conjointe : Protection des droits numériques au Nigeria

Avocats Sans Frontières France, Paradigm Initiative and Access Now call on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to cancel its directive disconnecting millions of Nigerians from telephone and Internet services because their SIM cards are not linked to their NIN, and to put an end to the biometric registration of SIM cards in Nigeria.
 
These biometric SIM card registration policies present risks of impersonation and violation of privacy, compounded by the absence of legal safeguards to prevent abuse. In Nigeria, where the use of mobile phones and SIM cards is essential for access to education, healthcare and information, these policies could deprive millions of people of important services. In addition, the system may lead to excessive surveillance.
 
We recommend that the NCC cease the collection of biometric data, work with NIMC to reform digital identification frameworks, and ensure transparency in the handling of biometric data by telecoms operators.
 
Read the full statement : Joint statement - Urgent appeal to the NCC

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