NDPC Probes Into NIMC's Possible Violations Of The Data Protection Act

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has reportedly gained unlawful access to participants' personal data. The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has declared its intention to look into this matter.

This was said by NDPC national commissioner Vincent Olatunji in a statement that was made public on Sunday, March 17.

He said that this probe is a regulatory response to public concerns about XpressVerify.com and claims of unauthorized access to personal data.

“This investigation is a further regulatory measure to be taken by NDPC in the wake of public concerns over reports of illegal access to personal data of enrollees by a shadowy entity called XpressVerify.com,” according to him.

He added that the NDPC has previously worked with NIMC to improve data security protocols, holding a workshop in February as part of that effort.

Olatunji pointed out that the probe is a component of the government's initiatives to guarantee the security and privacy of data.

“We note that NIMC has initiated an internal investigation and it has immediately given full assurance of cooperation with NDPC.

“NDPC will get to the root of the allegation and review existing mediums through which any entity may lawfully verify the identity of enrollees on its platform.

“Furthermore, NDPC will work with relevant agencies to audit the trails of the alleged unauthorized data processing and monetization of the same,” he added.

He brought up the internal probe conducted by NIMC and their pledge to work closely with the NDPC.

The objective of the NDPC is to investigate the claim in detail and evaluate the legal methods that organizations might use to confirm the identification of registrants on the NIMC platform.

Olatunji emphasized that there would be legal repercussions for anyone found to have broken the Nigeria Data Protection Act of 2023.

In addition, he directed that the results of the preliminary inquiry be released to the public within seven days.