Ghana must build its own email services to address US data concerns – Bright Simons
IMANI Centre for Policy and Education Vice-President and Head of Research Bright Simons says concerns about US access to Ghanaian data would require the country to build its own email services.
Vice-President of the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education and Head of Research, Bright Simons, addressed concerns surrounding US data access in Ghana. At the Joy News Digital Economy Forum on AI and the Ghana Economy, Simons emphasized the need for Ghana to build its own email services as a solution to protect citizens' data from foreign surveillance.
He pointed out that foreign email platforms, like Gmail, are a major hurdle for those seeking greater control over their data. Simons further argued that government regulation often acts as an impediment rather than an enabler in the digital economy. He cited his opposition to licensing requirements and local government obligations imposed on ride-hailing platforms such as Uber and Bolt, as well as the backlash against proposed licensing for developers in Ghana, to illustrate the practical consequences of policy decisions.
Simons highlighted instances of people developing digital skills outside formal educational settings, such as the widespread usage of WhatsApp and the growth of YouTube creators, to demonstrate that removing regulatory barriers is crucial to making technology accessible to ordinary people.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
