Shocking! Nigerian Senate Pass Bill To Spy On Emails, Phone Calls And Internet Communications

Shocking! Nigerian Senate Pass Bill To Spy On Emails, Phone Calls And Internet Communications The bill will provide a legal footing for the federal government’s internet and phone spy program. The Nigerian Senate, Wednesday, brushed aside public discontent with a secret federal internet and phone spy program, and gave an early approval to a legislation seeking to empower authorities to intercept electronic communications between, and from Nigerians. On their second legislative day from a two-month break, senators voted in support of a second reading for A Bill for An Act to Provide for the Interception, Development And Protection of Communications Networks and Facilities For Public Interest And Other Related Matters, 2013. If given a third reading eventually, approved by the House of Representatives, and signed into law by the president, law enforcement agencies will have the powers to monitor and seize Internet and phone data-including emails, text messages, phone records and more- from several millions of Nigerians, a privilege many Nigerians fear will be abused. The law will be used in tackling terrorism, and ensuring that electronic communication from Nigerians are safe, the bill’s sponsor, Isa Galaudu, Kebbi North, said. It will also criminalize interceptions by unauthorized persons, and will ensure the confidentiality of electronic communications. “Consequently, the bill intends to provide for certain instances where lawful interception of communications data by law enforcement agencies shall be allowed while at the same time ensuring that privacy and confidentiality of communications of citizens is maintained,” Mr Galaudu said. He said the plan will allow law enforcement agents block loopholes in the current laws that provide for no monitoring of or protection against such communication. “Regrettably, the advancement of technology and the convergence of communication system have created a problem which aids terrorists and criminals to always keep a step ahead of the law in their nefarious activities,” he said. “In most cases, these communications may be the only source for proving that individuals have been involved in such criminality and activities that threaten national security.” The bill came months after an online website uncovered the federal government’s secret $40 million contract to an Israeli technology firm, which will provide the technical infrastructure and the skill to snoop on the digital activities of Nigerians. The clandestine programme, awarded to Elbit Systems, with headquarters in Haifa, will allow the government spy on citizens’ computers and Internet communications and emails under the guise of intelligence gathering and national security.