Digital Security Experts Sound Alarm on Surveillance Apps
Technology specialists have raised serious concerns about Nigeria's growing digital insecurity as covert surveillance applications rapidly gain popularity among young people. These tools, originally created for legitimate purposes like parental controls and workplace monitoring, are now being misused in personal relationships, creating ethical dilemmas and exposing users to potential criminal liability.
The warning came from Godwin Iheuwa, Digital Head at Youth Orientation for Development (YOD) under UNESCO, during a youth digital literacy forum held in Lagos on November 30, 2025. Iheuwa emphasized that the increasing use of tracking apps signals a significant social transformation in how Nigerians manage relationships, handle conflicts, and establish trust.
The Legal and Ethical Dangers
"These tools were never intended for spying on partners or friends," Iheuwa stated firmly. "Accessing someone's private communication without their consent constitutes a criminal offense." He expressed deep concern that young Nigerians are normalizing invasive behaviors without fully comprehending the long-term consequences of their actions.
The expert's warning resonated strongly with forum participants, many of whom shared their own anxieties about how easily personal photographs and private conversations can escape their control in today's digital environment. Iheuwa referenced the recent "TikTok London Red Bus Lady" incident, where a private moment became viral content, as a stark reminder that digital exposure can escalate rapidly before an individual even realizes they're being recorded.
Nigeria's Digital Literacy Gap Exposed
Beyond relationship concerns, Iheuwa identified this trend as symptomatic of a broader national digital literacy deficiency. While Nigerian youth increasingly depend on digital platforms for employment, visibility, and income generation, many lack fundamental understanding of privacy settings, metadata, digital footprints, and the mechanisms behind viral content.
"This represents more than just a technological issue—it's a social problem," he noted. "People are building their careers online without acquiring the necessary knowledge to protect themselves adequately."
This knowledge gap, he argued, poses direct threats to Africa's expanding creative economy. Talent alone no longer suffices; content creators must understand platform algorithms, online etiquette, and the ethics of digital engagement to thrive sustainably.
Embracing Positive Digital Tools
Iheuwa encouraged young creatives to view artificial intelligence as a productivity enhancement tool rather than a threat. He highlighted platforms including ChatGPT, Canva AI, InVideo AI, and Adobe Firefly as effective means to accelerate content production while maintaining quality standards.
He also pointed to digital marketplaces such as Fiverr, Selar, and Etsy as emerging income channels, particularly when combined with analytics tools that help creators understand audience behavior patterns. Drawing from his experience with the Andela x Microsoft "Introduction to AI" program, Iheuwa emphasized that access to knowledge remains the most powerful equalizer in the digital economy, far surpassing the importance of expensive equipment.
Iheuwa's message reflects a broader national conversation about Nigeria's preparedness for the next phase of digital adoption. Tools that expand opportunities simultaneously increase vulnerabilities. As surveillance apps become more accessible and young people depend increasingly on online visibility for economic survival, both privacy rights and personal safety face significant risks.
"The future belongs to those who utilize technology responsibly," he concluded, "without endangering other people's fundamental rights."
