Some communication and Technology (ICTs) experts on Tuesday expressed mixed reactions over the Federal Government's plan to initiate an Internet spy contract with an Israeli firm.
.
In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, the experts lauded the initiative while expressing concerns over the implementation and use of the facility.
.
Dr Peter Olayiwola, President Computer Forensic Institute of Nigeria (CFIN), noted that the action was a common practice in developed nations.
.
"Although governments in developed nations are mostly backed by their constitutions to spy on Internet usage for national security, the citizens are not happy with the development," he said.
.
Olayiwola said even if the initiative is to be implemented, Nigeria does not have the enabling laws that would adequately protect Nigerians and its cyberspace.
.
"Even though it's not a bad idea to monitor Internet usage to curb unscrupulous activities, it should be done in a way that public privacy is be protected," he said.
.
Mr Gbenga Sesan, an Internet specialist and Executive Director, Paradigm Initiative Nigeria, said regulating the Internet would automatically mean restricting the flow of information as well as its exchange.
.
"It would suppress people from being communicative and expressive; changing the way information is dealt with over the Internet," he said.
.
Mr Olawale Onibudo, Regional Sales Manager, Vconnect.com (Nigeria's largest local search engine), said the initiative would protect businesses and individuals from fraud and defamatory activities.
Well this is very much expected cos it was bound to happen at any point in time.
I totally agree with this!