SERAP Group Gives CBN 3-Day Ultimatum To Reverse ‘Unlawful’ Social Media Policy

• SERAP has called on the CBN to immediately delete unlawful provisions in its regulations, which mandate banks to obtain customers’ social media handles for identification.

• SERAP argues that such requirements violate the rights to freedom of expression and privacy.

• They have given the CBN a three-day ultimatum to reverse the policy and withdraw the directive.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to delete the provisions in the CBN Regulations directing banks to obtain information on customers’ social media handles for the purpose of identification.

SERAP said that the provisions violate Nigerians’ rights to freedom of expression and privacy, and are inconsistent with the rule of law.

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The provisions require banks and other financial institutions to obtain information on the social media handles of their customers. SERAP argues that this is unnecessary and disproportionate, and that it could be used to restrict people’s freedom of expression and privacy.

SERAP also said that there are other, more effective ways for banks to identify their customers, such as requiring them to provide their passport, driver’s license, or Bank Verification Number (BVN).

“The CBN should respect the constitutional and international human rights of Nigerians, including the rights to freedom of expression and privacy,” said SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare.

“The CBN’s directive to banks to obtain details of customers’ social media addresses is unlawful and should be withdrawn immediately.”

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SERAP has given the CBN three days to delete the provisions in the CBN Regulations or face legal action.

The CBN has not yet responded to SERAP’s request.

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