Mix Reactions Trails FG Internet Spy Contract

[Shola Sholaz]

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.
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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.
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Dr Peter Olayiwola, President Computer Forensic Institute of Nigeria (CFIN), noted that the action was a common practice in developed nations.
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"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.
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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.
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"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.
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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.
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"It would suppress people from being communicative and expressive; changing the way information is dealt with over the Internet," he said.
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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.

[Folami David]

Well this is very much expected cos it was bound to happen at any point in time.
I totally agree with this!