London, July 15, 2019(AltAfrica)-The African ICT Foundation has called on state and non-state actors to end the Illegal surveillance, control, and interception of online user communications describing it fundamentally detrimental to the security of internet users in the continent

According to the Foundation, every individual has the right to enjoy secure connections to and over the Internet.

Speaking at a two-day workshop on Digital Skills Empowerment for Undergraduates at the Abomey Calavi Universitie, Cotonou, Republic of Benin, Regional Director of the Foundation, Dr. Kossi Amessinou said: “Everyone has the right to communicate anonymously on the Internet, as well as to use the appropriate technology to ensure secure, private and anonymous communication.”

He noted that the online surveillance, collection, retention, use, and disclosure of personal data or information must be in accordance with a transparent privacy policy that allows individuals to know what data or information is being collected about them and to rectify inaccurate information and protect such data or information against disclosures that they would not have authorized.

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He said the Foundation had demanded that monitoring of communications must be authorized by the courts and individuals under surveillance must be informed as soon as possible after the conclusion of the surveillance operation that their communications have been intercepted stressing that mass surveillance must be prohibited by law.

Dr. Amessinou stated that African governments must work towards the adoption of the African Declaration of Internet Rights and Freedoms in their respective countries and seek the ratification and enforcement of all international and regional treaties related to the protection of human rights on the internet in their respective countries.

According to him, “access to the Internet should be available and accessible to all in Africa without discrimination. Policies and regulations on Internet access and accessibility that promote equal and universal access to the Internet must be adopted. The cuts or slowing down of access to the Internet or parts of it for entire populations or segments of the public should not be allowed on any grounds.”

He noted: “States and non-state actors must respect and protect the right of all individuals to access and use the Internet. Everyone has a right to due process in connection with any legal claim or breach of law relating to the Internet. States must respect the right of every individual to equal protection before the law”.