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Subscribers Privacy and Unsolicited SMS

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13 years ago

March 5, 2012

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Some weeks back Mr. Peter Igho, Director-General, National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) asked telecommunications operators to stop sending unsolicited text messages on their lottery promotions to subscribers. Though operators to large extent are heeding to this directive on promos but are consistently sending short message service (SMS) on other sundry issues such as urging subscribers to subscriber to one short code for daily motivational words as well as advertising products. Mobile phone spam is a form of spamming directed at the text messaging service of a mobile phone. It is described as mobile spamming, SMS spam, text spam or m-spam. As the popularity of mobile phones surged in the early 2000s, frequent users of text messaging began to see an increase in the number of unsolicited (and generally unwanted) commercial advertisements being sent to their telephones through text messaging. This can be particularly annoying for the recipient because, unlike in email, some recipients may be charged a fee for every message received, including spam. Mobile phone users often times queries how the organization or individual that generated such message got their mobile phone number, some often times accused their network operators of compromising on their privacy. However, network operators have argued that there are different ways through which such people gain access to such data as people fill forms for different purposes. But, as true this argument may be network operators’ staff could not be exonerated from conniving with those who generate these unsolicited mails to divulge data of subscribers. This writer sometime in December last year received an SMS from customer call centre of another network urging him to subscriber to its post paid package. The question that arises is how did the people that generated that message known that he is a post paid subscriber? Nigeria CommunicationsWeek had reported how some politicians were besieging SIM card registration centres in a bid to collate mobile phone numbers of subscribers in Lagos for campaign before last year elections. It is against this backdrop that the GSMA announced the publication of its Mobile Privacy Principles. The principles describe the way in which mobile consumers’ privacy should be respected and protected when consumers use mobile applications and services that access, use or collect their personal information. The principles are the result of close collaboration by leading mobile operators and input from other players in the wider mobile eco-system. The Mobile Privacy Principles will be used to develop more detailed guidelines and codes of conduct to address specific consumer concerns such as the use of private data or location details by applications. They pave the way for the development of clear and simple ways for customers to manage their information and their privacy on mobile phones. The key challenge is to find new mobile-friendly methods to help consumers make informed decisions about their privacy. One key principle relates to ‘transparency and notice’, which is about being open and honest with customers about what personal information is being collected and why. The principles also cover issues such as the need to provide consumers with control over how their personal information is used and by whom, and ensuring only a minimum amount of data for a given service is collected and that it is retained no longer than necessary. The GSMA is examining these issues in depth and reaching out to broader industry stakeholders to establish a broad consensus on how to ensure consumers’ privacy is treated more consistently across mobile applications and across platforms and services whilst continuing to support innovation. According to Tom Phillips, chief regulatory officer, GSMA, “The Mobile Privacy Principles are a significant first step but addressing mobile privacy is an ongoing challenge that requires the support and collaboration of the wider internet industry, civil society and regulators, working together, if we are to deliver real protection for consumers. This is a call to action to the broader industry.” Mobile phone spam is generally less pervasive than email spam, where in 2010 around 90% of email is spam. The amount of mobile spam varies widely from region to region. In North America, much less than 1% of SMS messages were spam in 2010, while in parts of Asia up to 30% of messages were spam. The lesser and geographically uneven prevalence of mobile phone spam is attributable to the higher cost (to spammers) of and technological barriers to sending mobile messages in some areas, and to law enforcement in others. Today, particularly in North America, most mobile phone spam is sent from mobile devices that have prepaid unlimited messaging rate plans. While the rate plans allow for unlimited messaging, in reality the relatively slow sending rate (on the order of magnitude of 1/s) limits the number of messages that may be sent before an abusing mobile is shut down. SMS spam is illegal under common law in most jurisdictions as trespass to chattels. Jurisdictions with specific SMS spam regulation and fines include Australia, the EU and others; in the US, violators face substantial costs; in a 2008 settlement, the violator agreed to pay $150 to each spam recipient. In a 2010 class action settlement of Satterfield v Simon & Schuster, a case that reached the US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, plaintiffs agreed to pay $175 to each spam recipient. In response to Satterfield, entities who make money sending mobile phone spam formed the Mobile Advocacy Coalition (MAC) to lobby the government to legalize that activity. In the US, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has expanded Phone Spam regulations to cover also Voice Spam—mostly in form of prerecorded telemarketing calls—commonly known as robocalls; victims can file a complaint with the FCC. However, in view of the policy of Sim card registration of subscribers, there should be legislation to protect such information from being compromised by operators or their agents.

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FG Offers Nine-month Amnesty for Illegal Dollar Holdings

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3 days ago

November 1, 2024

Ugo Onwuaso

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Federal Government on Thursday announced a nine-month programme beginning on October 31 that allows individuals to deposit dollar bills held outside the formal banking system without scrutiny.

Wale Edun

It said the new initiative aims to address the rising costs of commodities influenced by the foreign exchange rate, driven by demand and supply dynamics.

Wale Edun, finance minister and coordinating minister of the Economy, revealed this after the 144th meeting of the National Economic Council, the country’s highest economic advisory body, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House, Abuja.

“There will be no penalty; there will be no taxes, and there will be no questions,” he told journalists at a briefing after Thursday’s conclave.

Edun said that, under this programme, individuals can bring in U.S. dollars in cash without facing penalties, taxes, or scrutiny, provided that the funds are not linked to criminal or illicit activities.

Participants will only need to meet the standard Know-Your-Customer requirements set by banks to secure these funds, integrate them into the financial system, and make them accessible for legitimate economic activities.

He explained, “One element of the cost increase is the foreign exchange rate, which is demand and supply. There will be a programme starting today, October 31, and lasting nine months that will allow people to bring in cash outside the banking system.

“[Such cash] is unsafe, insecure and outside legal limits. They will be allowed forbearance to bring dollars cash. Let me emphasise once again: it is to bring dollars that they are holding outside the system to get them in and credit it to their bank accounts, as long as it is not proceeds of crime or illicit money.

“They should just meet the standard Know-Your-Customer criteria of banks and have an opportunity to bring in those funds, making them safe, secure, and available through regular economic activity.

Edun said his ministry will first issue guidelines for the programme, followed promptly by additional guidelines from the Central Bank.

According to the Minister, this measure offers law-abiding individuals a way to formalise their cash holdings. It also provides the financial system with additional dollar reserves, which may help to stabilise the exchange rate.

“This is an opportunity, not just for people who would normally like to comply, to be compliant with the laws and normal business practice, but of course, it allows us to bring those dollars from where they are doing nothing to where they are within the financial system, they add to our reserves, and of course can help with the exchange rate,” he added.

Edun equally gave an update on government economic relief measures, saying 25 million Nigerians have benefitted from federal social protection initiatives, including digital outreach, microenterprise loans, and sector-specific support for power, agriculture, manufacturing, health, and compressed natural gas initiatives.

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Wema Bank Launches Export Trade Academy to Empower Nigerian SMEs

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4 days ago

October 31, 2024

Chike Onwuegbuchi

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Wema Bank has announced the launch of the Wema Export Trade Academy, a comprehensive training programme designed to equip Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with the essential skills and tools needed to succeed in the competitive landscape of global trade.

Moruf Oseni, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the bank, this initiative represents Wema Bank’s commitment to enhancing the capacity of Nigerian businesses, supporting their ambitions to thrive on an international scale.

Oseni said the Wema Export Trade Academy is designed as a solution to these challenges faced by Nigerian SMEs when entering international markets.

The Academy is specifically structured to address each critical aspect of global trade, providing SMEs with targeted guidance on compliance, documentation, financial planning, and risk management.

Through the Wema Export Trade Academy, SMEs will benefit from expert-led sessions, mentorship from industry professionals, and practical insights into international business practices, positioning them to make significant contributions within global markets.

The programme also places emphasis on building a network of Nigerian exporters, encouraging peer support and collaboration, while fostering connections between businesses and international trade facilitators.

Oseni said: “This holistic approach to export training will enhance efficiency and productivity, empowering Nigerian businesses to become competitive players in the global economy.

“The Wema Export Trade Academy reinforces Wema Bank’s dedication to building the capacity of Nigerian businesses and supporting their evolution into formidable global competitors.

“By addressing the barriers in export trade, we are enabling Nigerian SMEs to seize new opportunities in international markets, which aligns with our vision to empower lives and support sustainable business growth.

“The Wema Export Trade Academy embodies Wema Bank’s pioneering spirit and commitment to providing SMEs with practical, impactful solutions.

“With comprehensive training on export processes and access to strategic financial products, the program stands as a testament to Wema Bank’s role as an enabler of growth for Nigerian enterprises.

“Wema Bank continues to set the standard for innovation within Nigeria’s financial services industry, supporting individuals and businesses across various sectors to achieve sustainable growth.

“The Wema Export Trade Academy represents the latest stride in Wema Bank’s mission to empower Nigerian SMEs, further strengthening its reputation.”

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MTN Foundation to Celebrate 20 Years of Impact with Anniversary Conference and Dinner

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4 days ago

October 31, 2024

Ugo Onwuaso

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MTN Foundation is set to celebrate a milestone—its 20th Anniversary—with a series of events designed to reflect on its contributions to communities across Nigeria.

The anniversary conference will take place on November 6, 2024, in Abuja, while the celebratory dinner is scheduled for November 14, 2024, in Lagos.

These events will bring together key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, highlighting the Foundation’s commitment to sustainable development and community engagement.

Since its inception in 2004, the Foundation has been at the forefront of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Nigeria. It was one of the first corporate entities in the country to establish a dedicated foundation for managing CSR activities.

The Foundation was officially commissioned in May 2005, with MTN Nigeria Communications PLC pledging to allocate up to 1% of its Profit After Tax (PAT) for funding various projects aimed at improving lives across the nation.

Over the past two decades, the Foundation has invested over NGN 24.73 billion into impactful projects that span all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). With more than 1,023 project sites across Nigeria, the Foundation has successfully executed 50 unique projects, reaching over 31 million people.

These initiatives have addressed critical areas such as education, health, youth empowerment, and arts and culture, making a significant difference in the lives of countless Nigerians.

As part of this celebration, the Foundation will unveil its new logo along with refreshed mission and vision statements.

This rebranding effort symbolizes a renewed commitment to its core values and goals as it looks toward the future.

Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director of MTN Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming celebrations and reflected on the journey thus far.

“This anniversary is both a celebration of our impact in Nigeria and a commitment to do more,” Sanya stated.

“We have always believed in the power of collaboration and community engagement to drive meaningful change.

“As we gather to reflect on our journey, we look forward to engaging with our partners and stakeholders to explore new avenues for sustainable development.”

The upcoming anniversary events aim to foster dialogue among leaders from various sectors, encouraging collaboration that can lead to innovative solutions for pressing societal challenges.

The conference will feature keynote speakers and panel discussions around national development and youth empowerment, as well as interactive sessions designed to inspire participants and share best practices in CSR and community development.

In addition to its focus areas, the Foundation has been instrumental in promoting digital literacy among Nigerian youth through various educational programs. By leveraging technology as a tool for empowerment, the Foundation has equipped thousands of young people with skills necessary for success in an increasingly digital world.

The anniversary conference and dinner are expected to be engaging experiences that will not only celebrate two decades of impact but also set the stage for future initiatives aimed at fostering community growth and resilience.

By bringing together diverse stakeholders, MTN Foundation hopes to ignite conversations that lead to actionable strategies for addressing Nigeria’s most pressing challenges.

The upcoming anniversary events promise to be an inspiring celebration of progress made while looking forward to new horizons in community development.

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