Nigeria Blocks 73 Million Mobile Phones For Not Registering In National Digital Identity Database
Due to not registering in the national digital identity database (NIN) Nigeria has blocked a total of 73 million mobile phones, which has prevented them from making outgoing calls.
Nigeria is one of dozens of African countries with SIM registration laws, including Ghana, Egypt, and Kenya. Authorities claim the regulations are required for security, but digital rights advocates believe they enhance monitoring and threaten privacy. For almost a decade, Nigeria has been issuing 11-digit computerized national identity cards, which contain a person’s personal and biometric data, such as fingerprints and a photograph. To create a bank account, apply for a driver’s license, vote, obtain health insurance, or file tax returns, you must have a National Identity Number (NIN). Every active mobile phone number in Nigeria must be connected to the user’s NIN by 2020, according to the country’s telecommunications regulator. It has regularly delayed the deadline till this year’s March 31st.