Olatunji orders investigation into Optasia, suspected data violation - ITREALMS

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The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the data processing activities of Optasia which operates in Nigeria as Nairtime Nigeria Ltd, reports ITREALMS.

This investigation was triggered by a pattern of suspected non-compliant data processing which was discovered during routine regulatory oversight of data controllers and data processors of major importance.

The Commission in a press statement available to ITREALMS by Head, Legal, Enforcement & Regulations at NDPC, Babatunde Bill Bamigboye Esq, noted with grave concern that Optasia deployed privacy invading technologies to process personal data for the purposes of marketing, credit scoring and other financial solutions.

NDPC also noted that the investigation of credit scoring activities covered the way financial institutions, telecommunication companies, insurance companies among others process personal data of citizens for various purposes.

The National Commissioner, therefore, enjoined data controllers and data processors of major importance who rely on third parties as mediums through which the personal data of the Nigerian populace may be processed to ensure that such third parties are duly registered with the Commission.

"This measure will ensure accountability, strengthen data security architecture and protect Nigeria’s data sovereignty," he said.

Chuks Egbune/Editor