SERAP Takes Legal Action Against CBN Over Social Media Privacy Concerns

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), challenging the inclusion of social media handles in the Customer Due Diligence (CDD) regulation. The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, seeks to safeguard citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and privacy.

SERAP’s lawsuit, numbered FHC/L/CS/1410/2023, demands the withdrawal of CBN’s directive, issued on June 20, 2023, requiring banks and financial institutions to collect customers’ social media information for identification purposes.

The organization is also seeking an order to compel CBN to delete Section 6 of its Customer Due Diligence regulations, 2023, citing inconsistency with Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Furthermore, SERAP seeks to prevent CBN from implementing the provision in Section 6 that directs banks and financial institutions to obtain customers’ social media data. They argue that such requirements lack legitimate purpose and could potentially infringe on individuals’ rights to freedom of expression and privacy.

The organization contends that alternative identification methods, such as passport, driver’s license, Bank Verification Number (BVN), and Tax Identification Number (TIN), already serve the purpose of identification without compromising personal privacy.

No specific date has been set for the hearing of the case. However, SERAP’s legal action raises significant concerns about safeguarding citizens’ privacy and constitutional rights in the digital age.