By IGHODALO EMIATOR
A public hearing to legalize the interception of all phone conversations by Nigerians has been heard by the National Communications Commission (NCC).
According to Dr. Eugene Juwah, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, the motive of the proposed regulation is designed to protect the citizens considering the high level of insecurity in the country.
At the interaction that held recently, participants at the forum refuted against certain provisions of the proposed law. They expressed fears on infringement on the fundamental rights of the citizens as those in charge of the communications could abuse their power and compromise privileged information for selfish purposes.
Juwah responded saying, international best practices will be strictly followed by the people charged with managing the intercepted communications.
He added, “The draft Lawful Interception aims to provide a legal and regulatory framework for the lawful interception of communications in Nigeria as well as the collection and disclosure of intercepted communications.
“In the same vein, it also specifies the nature and types of communications to be intercepted, penalties for non-compliance and measures to safeguard the privacy of citizens as contained and guaranteed under the Nigerian constitution.
“The regulations shall complement the Act and the respective license issued by the Commission and will state the obligations of law enforcement agencies and operators in connection with the interception of communications.
“The Commission is certain that there regulations will provide the guiding standards and principles for an effective regime on lawful interception of communications and licensing in the Nigerian telecommunications industry.”
