NCC says device checker cannot access Nigerians’ private data

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has clarified that its enhanced device compliance framework, designed to check SIM-enabled devices for regulatory adherence, cannot access users' private data such as messages, photographs, contacts, and financial information. Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Engr.

Edoyemi Ogoh, assured at a news conference in Abuja that the framework, which uses device identification information like IMEI numbers, is solely for regulatory compliance purposes and not for surveillance. The initiative aims to identify non-compliant, cloned, and counterfeit devices, enhance network performance, and boost consumer confidence in equipment sold in Nigeria.

The NCC emphasized that it will not retroactively disconnect devices already connected before the new system's operational commencement, even if they do not meet current approval standards. The agency is collaborating with the Nigeria Customs Service, manufacturers, importers, and dealers to authenticate devices entering the Nigerian market and ensure compliance with the Type Approval Business Rules issued in August 2024.

Brief written by urgent.news from Nairametrics's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.