A Privatized System

Our data collection is the most important thing about ourselves. It is important to know that having one’s data out there has a huge risk potential. Well, technology has made the country in a way that we can’t do anything without filling in our personal information. This way we get access to so many things.

When I was little I had zero idea about the fact that the government always has our data. I thought since our country wasn’t completely developed and the census was difficult to take then the government had nothing on us, unlike those developed countries. Growing up I realized that the government definitely has an eye on our data and our data isn’t private just like we are made to believe.

We are always told that our information will not be leaked out except for otherwise purposes but then most times the reverse is the case. Everything we do can be revealed in one way or the other. I would prefer our data to be private. This could help save a lot of risks we tend to face especially in the financial aspect.

I think the only way in which having our data out there is important is that it helps the government in certain situations of crime. Even if the country can not eradicate crime completely and also find 100% of people who are involved in dubious activities. They have been able to track down most people through our data.

I have encountered a case of fraud where my friend's account was completely wiped. According to him, he said he never provided anyone with his BVN and password to the bank account. We were wondering how possible it was for them to wipe his account as his ATM card was still in his possession.

When he got to the bank, they were able to provide certain details in regards to the bank account in which the money was moved to, then the bank looked into the account, got the owner’s data and they were able to track the person who stole the money. I think this is one way that our data being out there has been useful.

Unfortunately, the bad side is more than the good side. Our data being out there has to be a very risky thing. It makes one prone to fraudster. Most times I get certain messages on my WhatsApp, where I get added to groups that involve Ponzi schemes. I try to go through the group to see if I was added by a number that I know well turns out it is a stranger. Since I am aware of the Ponzi fraud system, I don’t fall victim.

But then, looking at this one could tell that my data isn’t private and this is so disappointing as someone with zero awareness could fall victim to this kind of scheme.

I think we as individuals can make sure our data is private but then when it comes to the government I can’t attain their level of security. We could try to enable a two-factor authentication to most of our social media and applications, this could help increase the security. Moreso, we should be mindful of the kind of information we put out there.

_{All images used are mine except otherwise stated}

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