Device Checker not surveillance tool – NCC assures Nigerians

The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has urged Nigerians to confirm the standing of cellular gadgets earlier than buying them to protect towards counterfeit, cloned and unauthorised gadgets.

The Commission stated its Device Checker Platform was designed to strengthen compliance with technical requirements, defend shoppers and improve the integrity of communications gadgets linked to Nigerian networks.

The Zonal Controller of the NCC, who spoke at a information convention on the Commission’s zonal workplace on Thursday, stated the initiative would assist deal with the circulation of non-compliant gadgets available in the market.

“As Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand, it is important that devices connected to our networks comply with established technical and regulatory standards,” the Controller stated.

The Controller disclosed that the Commission had made vital progress in implementing the platform by way of licensing, regularisation and stakeholder sensitisation initiatives.

According to the Controller, the NCC had streamlined its licensing and regularisation course of, enabling a major variety of machine sellers in Kano State to acquire licences.

The Commission additionally carried out sensitisation engagements with importers and different business stakeholders in Lagos and different components of the nation to deepen consciousness of Type Approval necessities and obligations underneath the Device Checker framework.

To simplify compliance, the NCC developed a Device Checker utility that enables authorised stakeholders to scan the International Mobile Equipment Identity, IMEI, numbers of gadgets and add data on to the platform.

The Controller stated the applying was designed to enhance effectivity and make compliance simpler for stakeholders.

The Commission additionally offered on-line sources to assist shoppers and business members perceive the machine verification course of.

Consumers can verify the standing of their gadgets by way of the NCC’s Device Checker portal by getting into the machine’s IMEI quantity, whereas producers, importers, distributors and sellers can entry the Type Approval and Device Verification Guide on the Commission’s web site.

The Controller, nonetheless, clarified that the platform was not supposed to watch customers’ non-public actions.

“I would also like to emphasise that the Device Checker Platform is not a surveillance tool. It does not access personal data, messages, photographs, contacts, financial information, or any other private content stored on a device,” the Controller stated.

“Its purpose is limited to device identification and regulatory compliance verification,” the Controller added.

The Commission suggested shoppers to patronise respected and licensed sellers, confirm machine standing earlier than buy and use its on-line sources to make knowledgeable buying selections.

It additionally urged producers, importers, distributors and sellers to familiarise themselves with the Type Approval and Device Verification Guide and guarantee full compliance with its necessities.

For enquiries, complaints or help, shoppers have been suggested to contact the NCC by way of its 315 client toll-free quantity.

The Commission reaffirmed its dedication to defending shoppers, selling honest competitors, strengthening community integrity and fostering a trusted communications ecosystem for Nigerians.