The African ICT Foundation has called on state and non-state actors to end Illegal surveillance, control and interception of online user communication, describing it as fundamentally detrimental to the security and reliability of the Internet.
According to the Foundation, every individual has the right to enjoy secure connections to and over the Internet.
Speaking at a two-day workshop on Digital Skills Empowerment for Undergraduates at the Abomey Calavi Universitie, Cotonou, its Regional Director, Republic of Benin, Dr. Kossi Amessinou, said: “Everyone has the right to communicate anonymously on the Internet, as well as to use the appropriate technology to ensure secure, private and anonymous communication.”
He said the collection, retention, use and disclosure of personal data or information must be in accordance with a transparent privacy policy that allows individuals to know what data or information is being collected about them and to rectify inaccurate information and to protect such data or information against disclosures that they would not have authorised.
He said the Foundation insists that monitoring of communications must be authorised by the courts and individuals under surveillance must be informed as soon as possible after the conclusion of the surveillance operation that their communications have been intercepted stressing that mass surveillance must be prohibited by law.
PRIVACY & SURVEILLANCE IN AFRICA 