GOVT MOVES TO BUG TELEPHONE LINES- DRAFT LAW READY

VERY soon, Nigerians will be stripped of their right to uncensored telephone communications as the Federal Government is working on a law that would empower some of its agencies to listen in on citizens’ telephone conversations as well as read their text messages without their consent.

The legislation, known as the Lawful Interception of Communications Regulation, is being championed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the regulatory agency for telecommunication operations in the country. When passed by the National Assembly, it will empower some government agencies such as the office of the National Security Adviser, the police and the State Security Service (SSS) to intercept communications without necessarily securing a warrant.

Telecommunication interception is otherwise known as electronic surveillance (e-surveillance), wiretapping or bugging.

The legislation will also empower private citizens to intercept and record telecommunications without first getting a warrant.

Source: Tribune