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Sensory Surveillance and Smart Devices: Why we Should Care About the Cost of Convenience

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By Andrew Bourne, Region Manager, Africa, Zoho Corporation

Today, most people and households boast a multitude of smart devices, which bring a large measure of convenience to our daily routine and also enhance our experience with the simple pleasures in life like music and movies. However, that convenience comes at a cost. By adopting these new technologies, we might be exposing ourselves to new forms of surveillance. Beyond the simple web tracking that we today perceive as a ‘necessary evil’ and have accustomed ourselves to, smart devices could result in a whole new range of surveillance forms which extract data about us through the multi-sensory techniques available in these devices.

Called sensory surveillance, it refers to the sensors embedded in smart devices, which allow companies to collect data about your vision, smell, hearing, tastes, and even mood—all without you knowing it. This has major implications for public data privacy and security. While the current concern is largely confined to the consumer space at the moment, it will become increasingly pertinent to the business space in the near future.

Surveillance everywhere

Most of us buy smart devices for the innovation and convenience they promise without giving much thought to how these gadgets handle data security and privacy. The camera in our smart doorbell or lock can, for instance, provide data about when we are home, when our mail is delivered, and even whether we have a dog. Most devices also have built-in microphones which record the sounds and conversations that take place in your home. While tech companies insist that these recordings are kept safe and that they have sufficient operational procedures in place to protect consumers, there are no perfect guarantees when it comes to technology and data storage.

Meanwhile, other products and services (such as our smart fridge or favourite streaming services) can pick up on our other sensory preferences like tastes and moods. A simple monitoring of, say, the movies we watch, the music we listen to, and the websites we visit provides data aggregators a trove of information that has huge potential as a monetizable asset. Besides, when combined with other sensory information like our eating habits for instance, this data paints a fairly clear picture of our mood and even helps companies predict how we feel and what we might eat based on what we’re watching. This type of early detection is a precious advantage for advertisers and marketers.

We might not notice how much data we’re giving up now because sensory surveillance might still be in its infancy, but it’s like being a frog in a pot that is slowly coming to a boil—the impact will prove more significant over time.

The business impact  

It’s no secret that whatever happens on the consumer side will eventually show up on the business side as well. For instance, just as TVs send a screenshot of what you watch back to their servers, it’s likely that workplace projectors will do the same with employee data or other business information.

One way to always stay in the know is to set up a continuous assessment cycle and conduct periodic reviews of third-party tech vendor relationships to ensure that these companies are transparent about the data they collect and how securely they handle it. It’s also good practice to check whether the tech vendors that you work with hold certifications from renowned TIC (testing, inspection, and certification) companies for their confidentiality and data protection processes, not to mention verifying if the vendors comply with privacy regulations like the GDPR and PoPIA.

Choosing the right technology partners

Whether in our personal or business capacities, we all need to be aware of how pervasive technological surveillance is and the impact it can have on our lives online. In case of a business, having the right vendors—who treat user data like their own, stay accountable, and take a hard stance against surveillance in any form—is one of the critical drivers that ensure a privacy-first experience for your customers.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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NDIC Reinforces Full Oversight Compliance to Safeguard Depositors

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Mr. Thompson Sunday, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), has reaffirmed the Corporation’s strict compliance with fiscal and financial regulations, including the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2007, noting that the NDIC has consistently remitted the required percentage of its earnings to the Federal Government.

Mr. Sunday made this known during a courtesy visit to the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Dr. Armstrong Takang, as part of NDIC’s ongoing engagement with key stakeholders following his formal assumption of office in July 2025.

According to him, NDIC takes financial accountability and transparency seriously, stressing that the Corporation complies fully with statutory remittance obligations, including the payment of 20 per cent of gross earnings or 80 per cent of net surplus to the Federal Government, as applicable. He added that NDIC also submits its financial statements ahead of statutory deadlines.

The NDIC MD/CE explained that this culture of compliance aligns with the Corporation’s role as a key institution within Nigeria’s financial safety-net, charged with protecting depositors and promoting confidence in the banking system. He emphasized that adherence to fiscal discipline remains central to NDIC’s credibility and effectiveness.

Mr. Sunday further disclosed that NDIC also complies with the Federal Government’s 50 per cent cost-to-income ratio policy, although he noted that the policy poses operational constraints. He explained that the deductions affect NDIC’s ability to build a strong Deposit Insurance Fund, which is needed to respond effectively to bank failures.

He stressed that international best practices under the Core Principles for Effective Deposit Insurance issued by the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) require deposit insurers to maintain adequate funds to reimburse depositors when banks fail without recourse to government, adding that the NDIC is seeking an exemption to strengthen its capacity in this regard.

Mr. Sunday described MOFI as a critical stakeholder, noting that the Federal Government, through MOFI, holds a 40 per cent equity stake in NDIC. He said sustained collaboration with MOFI is essential to ensuring that NDIC continues to meet its obligations to government while effectively safeguarding depositors’ funds.

In his remarks, Dr. Takang commended the NDIC for its exemplary collaborative spirit and acknowledged the Corporation’s compliance with fiscal regulations. He assured that MOFI would continue to engage the Federal Ministry of Finance on NDIC’s behalf, noting that a strong NDIC is vital to sustaining confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.

Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation, transparency and accountability, with Mr. Sunday reiterating that NDIC remains focused on balancing regulatory compliance with its overriding mandate of depositor protection and financial system stability.


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T2 Backs Youth Excellence as NCBC Wins Bosun Tijani Foundation Basketball Tournament

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T2 has reaffirmed its commitment to youth development and excellence through sport as the NCBC basketball team, adopted by the brand, emerged champions of the Bosun Tijani Foundation Youth Basketball Tournament held at the Alake Sports Complex, Ijeja, Abeokuta.

The tournament, organised by the Bosun Tijani Foundation in collaboration with the Ogun State Government and supported by several partners including T2, brought together 12 competitive teams from across Nigeria, positioning basketball as a powerful platform for youth engagement, discipline, and opportunity.

NCBC’s championship run reflected the values T2 seeks to champion, work ethic, intelligence, teamwork, and resilience. The team recorded commanding victories over Team Vision, Warlords, and Elevate before defeating the Ilupjeu Raiders 66–52 in a gripping final.

Commenting on the adoption of the team, Seni Ogunkola, Vice President, Brands and Communication, T2 stated “NCBC embodies the qualities we believe in, exceptional work rate, intelligence on the ball, discipline, and a hunger to excel. By supporting them, T2 is investing in potential, purpose, and the next generation of leaders on and off the court.”

The climax of the event saw His Royal Highness, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland, alongside Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, present the trophy to the victorious team, drawing rapturous applause from spectators. The event was also attended by the Chief of Staff to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Mr. Lere Olayinka, and the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Wasiu Isiaka, underscoring strong institutional support for youth-focused initiatives.

Through its participation in the tournament, T2 continues to position itself as a brand that goes beyond sponsorship, championing platforms that unlock talent, inspire ambition, and create lasting social impact for Nigerian youth.


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Ecobank Guarantees Seamless Digital Banking Services Throughout the Christmas and Year-End Period

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Ecobank Nigeria, a member of Africa’s leading pan-African banking group, has assured customers of uninterrupted access to banking services throughout the year-end holiday period via its secure and robust digital platforms. The Bank also urged customers to remain vigilant against fraud and scams during the festive season.

Ecobank Guarantees Seamless Digital Banking Services Throughout the Christmas and Year-End Period

Ecobank Bank

Speaking on the development, Victor Yalokwu, Head, Products & Analytics, Consumer & Commercial Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, said the Bank’s digital channels – including the Ecobank Mobile App, Ecobank Business App, USSD *326#, Ecobank Online, OmniPlus, Omnilite, EcobankPay, RapidTransfer, Ecobank Cards, ATMs, PoS terminals, and over 35,000 Ecobank Xpress Point (Agent Banking) locations nationwide – will remain fully available to support customers throughout the yuletide and year-end holiday period.

He noted that customers will continue to enjoy a wide range of services during the period, including local and international funds transfers, bill payments and airtime top-ups, merchant payments, balance inquiries and account statements, as well as cardless cash withdrawals via ATMs.

According to Yalokwu, “Ecobank encourages customers to leverage these digital solutions for safe, fast, and efficient banking, especially during the festive season when convenience and reliability are essential.

“While physical branch operations may be subject to adjusted working hours in line with public holidays, customers can be assured that Ecobank’s digital platforms are designed to deliver uninterrupted service and enhanced security at all times.

“Ecobank remains committed to providing innovative financial solutions and exceptional customer service, and we wish all our customers a joyful festive season and a prosperous New Year.”

Yalokwu also cautioned customers to remain vigilant against fraudsters and scammers during the period. “Before you wrap up the year, tighten your security. December brings online sales, travel, and year-end distractions—this is exactly when scammers are most active. From fake festive deals to cloned merchant sites and suspicious messages, staying vigilant helps keep your money safe.”

He advised customers to shop only on trusted websites, never share their PINs, passwords, or one-time passwords (OTPs), avoid banking on public Wi-Fi networks, be cautious of urgent or emotionally charged messages, and regularly review their account activity.


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