African ICT Foundation seeks end to illegal online surveillance of citizens
The African ICT Foundation has called on state and non-state actors to end the Illegal surveillance, control, and interception of online user communications describing it 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, which was organised by the Foundation, Regional Director of the Foundation, 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 noted that 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 authorized.
The said that the Foundation demanded that the monitoring of communications must be authorized 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.
Dr. Amessinou stated that African governments must work towards the adoption of the African Declaration of Internet Rights and Freedoms in their respective countries and seek the ratification and enforcement of all international and regional treaties related to the protection of human rights on the internet in their respective countries.
He stated: “Access to the Internet should be available and accessible to all in Africa without discrimination. Policies and regulations on Internet access and accessibility that promote equal and universal access to the Internet must be adopted. The cuts or slowing down of access to the Internet or parts of it for entire populations or segments of the public should not be allowed on any grounds.”
While advocating for full, active and equal participation of women in decision-making on the form and management of the Internet, he said that the Foundation is concern about the role of women and girls stressing that women and girls should have the means to take action against gender inequality on the Internet.
He said that it was time African nations eliminated all forms of gender-related discrimination against women and the girl child saying, “Men and women should have equal access to learning, definition, access, use, and configuration of the Internet.”
He said: “The Internet governance framework must be open, inclusive, accountable, transparent and collaborative.
It is important that multi-stakeholder decision-making and policy formulation be improved at the national level to ensure the full participation of all stakeholders.”
According to him, the Foundation is concern about the right of all persons, without any discrimination, to use the Internet as a vehicle for the exercise and enjoyment of their human rights, and to participate in social and cultural life, should be respected and protected.
He noted: “States and non-state actors must respect and protect the right of all individuals to access and use the Internet. Everyone has a right to due process in connection with any legal claim or breach of law relating to the Internet. States must respect the right of every individual to equal protection before the law”.
