Somalia's New National ID System Raises Data Privacy Fears

MOGADISHU, Somalia — The rollout of Somalia's National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has sparked significant public concern, particularly over the security and storage of personal data and the lifespan of the new national IDs.

The growing uncertainty about the NIRA-issued ID left many Somalis questioning the system, which they said is unreliable. 

However, the most critical worry centers on the potential for personal data to be stored on servers abroad, including Pakistan. Critics point out the lack of transparency regarding who manages, uses, or can access this data. In an age where data is likened to oil, these concerns carry weight.

"Data security is crucial to us. We're unaware of where our data goes or who can see it," said Mogadishu businessman Abdi Rahman, reflecting a widespread distrust among Somalis about data privacy.

Further fueling distrust are claims that NIRA staff lack understanding of the system's backend operations. "Officials only handle the front-end ID registration and printing, but there's no transparency regarding data management," said an anonymous Somali tech expert.

NIRA, tasked with creating and managing the country's ID system, has been accused of being a money-oriented agency. The agency aims to issue a unique National Identification Number to aid in service provision, but without clear policies on data protection and ID validity, public confidence is waning.

Some individuals, including government officials and key figures, have expressed concerns that their personal information may be accessed by Al-Shabaab, which is said to have infiltrated both government security agencies and the administration's institutions.

The government has not responded to requests for comment from Garowe Online. As Somalia aims for stability and economic growth, international observers are keenly watching, recognizing the need for a secure and transparent ID system.

Digital experts said that the ongoing digitalization of Somalia's civil registry underscores the need to balance modern identity solutions with the protection of personal data rights, which will be crucial for NIRA's success.

GAROWE ONLINE