By Linus Aleke, Abuja
Paradigm Initiative demands immediate action from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in response to a severe privacy breach involving unauthorised access to citizens’ data via XpressVerify.com.
Paradigm Initiative, in a statement, said the breach violates both the National Data Protection Act (NDPA) and citizens’ constitutional right to privacy.
The statement added that the act is a flagrant disregard for the law and a betrayal of public trust.
“Paradigm Initiative emphasizes the urgency of NIMC and Nigerian Data Protection Commission’s (NDPC’s) intervention to address this egregious violation of citizens’ privacy rights. The NDPC must swiftly investigate this matter, holding accountable all parties involved in compromising the security of the National Identity Database. Every Nigerian has the right to trust that their personal information is secure and protected. We further demand NIMC outlines steps to rectify this breach and prevent future occurrences,” the statement said.
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Paradigm Initiative urged NDPC to act decisively in upholding the principles of data protection and safeguarding citizens’ privacy rights as enshrined in the NDPA and the constitution.
All these demands, the association said, are outlined in the freedom of information request sent by Paradigm Initiative and they remain committed to collaborating with all involved agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure the privacy rights of all are protected.
