Journalists Enjoined to Uphold Digital Rights, Source Protection Amid Data Breaches in Nigeria
Media professionals, particularly in Kano State have been enjoined to uphold digital rights, protect confidential sources, and strictly comply with data protection laws as concerns grow over government surveillance, privacy violations, and data breaches across the country.
This was the central message during a one-hour webinar organized by the Association of Kano Online Journalists (ASKOJ) in collaboration with the Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria (HRJNN) and Avocats Sans Frontières France (ASF France).
Speaking at the event, Kehinde Adegboyega, Executive Director of HRJNN, emphasized the urgent need for journalists to be trained, protected, and empowered to hold authorities accountable without fear. “Our network is committed to building capacity and protecting the rights of journalists, especially as more laws threaten to expose confidential sources under the guise of national security,” he said.
He expressed concern over increasing attempts by authorities to compel journalists to reveal their sources, while also criticizing the Nigerian legal framework, which he said lacks adequate protections for press freedom in a digital era.
“Journalists must be alert. The profession is under threat from legal ambiguities and government overreach. We must also educate ourselves and set the agenda around human rights and press freedom,” he cautioned.
Also speaking was Angela Uwandu, Country Director of ASF France, who reinforced the importance of respecting data privacy both personally and professionally, particularly under Nigeria’s Data Protection Act (2023).
She urged media organisations to embed privacy, transparency, and accountability into their operations.
“In the digital space, journalists are especially vulnerable to data breaches and surveillance. You must be cautious in handling personal data, both your own and that of your sources or subjects.
“Privacy is not just a legal requirement; it’s an ethical obligation,” Uwandu stated.
Referencing the 2024 NIMC data breach, in which National Identity Numbers (NINs) and Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) were reportedly sold for as little as ₦100, Uwandu highlighted the imbalance in enforcement efforts.
“The Nigerian Data Protection Commission quickly intervened in a private sector fintech breach, but no penalties have yet been issued to NIMC. This double standard is worrying,” she said.
She warned of the dangers of oversharing during election seasons, citing how young voters posted photos of their voter cards in the last election cycle, unknowingly exposing sensitive personal information.
“With elections approaching again, journalists must be on the frontlines of promoting digital responsibility.”
The event also shed light on issues like political surveillance, data mining for commercial or electoral gain, and misinformation, all of which pose risks to journalistic integrity and public trust.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Association of Kano Online Journalists (ASKOJ), Comrade Salisu Yakubu lauded the collaboration and said the webinar was timely.
“Times are changing. This conversation is crucial to refine our practice and protect our members,” he said, thanking both Adegboyega and Uwandu for their leadership in the field of digital and human rights.
He recounted that ASKOJ was established in 2020 to bring together professionals from reputable online platforms, committed to ethical journalism and the defense of media freedom in Nigeria.
He then charged journalists to safeguard privacy and defending press freedom, adding that do so are not only professional duties but civic responsibilities.
