In Nigeria, criminal breach of privacy by big tech is on steroids -By Chima Christian

I visited my pastor at the site of our church project earlier in the month. We talked about the need for a bigger concrete mixer. Coincidentally, I went to see a friend that evening and saw a concrete mixer in his house. I took pictures of the mixer with my mobile phone so I can compare its size to the one I saw at the church project size.

I’ve been quite busy since then and have not gone back to the project site. I have not shared the pictures with anyone or discussed concrete mixers with anyone either online or via a telephone call. I have also not browsed or sought information online concerning concrete mixers.

Yet, Google has been inundating me with all manner of advertisements about concrete mixers since then. They have added block molding machines to the advertisements this morning in case “I no wan hear word.”

With this and other experiences I have been observing, I am fairly convinced that big tech illegally harvests user data, including listening in on private conversations, and swooping in on private media files. Perhaps, you might have had similar experiences.

These are some of the things that should be brought under regulation when Nigeria gets past its lethargy and finally regulates the social media and tech space.

Unfortunately, our policymakers’ idea of social media/tech regulation, as evidenced by the laws they have previously proposed, is only tax income and arresting dissenting voices. No interest whatsoever in regulating how user data are harvested and used or sold to third parties.

I don’t know who we offended to merit this current crop of political leadership.

I’m convinced however that Africa’s morning will come.

Chima Christian