CITAD Launches dComms as Privacy-Focused Alternative to Mainstream Social Media

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has launched dComms, a decentralised, privacy-focused social media platform designed to give Nigerians greater control over their personal data and online interactions.

Buhari Abba, dComms Project Lead at CITAD, disclosed this on Wednesday at a press conference in Dutse, Jigawa State, where he spoke on digital rights, data protection and online privacy.

Abba said the growing dominance of a handful of technology companies over the global digital space had raised concerns about users’ ability to control their personal information and online activities.

He said Nigerians were increasingly exposed to risks associated with the collection, storage and use of sensitive personal information, including National Identification Numbers (NINs), Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs), bank account details and other personal records.

«“CITAD is particularly concerned that the dominance of a few Big Tech companies over the global digital space has created an ecosystem where users have limited control over their data, online interactions and the systems through which they communicate,” Abba said.»

According to him, platforms including Facebook, Instagram and X have become major gatekeepers of digital communication, prompting concerns around privacy, freedom of expression and consumer protection.

Abba said the business models of many mainstream social media platforms depend significantly on the collection, analysis and monetisation of users’ data.

He explained that CITAD, with support from the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), was promoting dComms as part of efforts to provide Nigerians with greater choice in the digital space.

“Unlike conventional social media platforms where a single company largely controls the platform, its infrastructure and users’ data, dComms operates within a decentralised environment where communities and users can have greater control over their digital interactions,” he said.

Abba said dComms is connected to the wider Fediverse, a network of independently operated social platforms that can communicate with one another, thereby reducing reliance on a single technology company.

He added that CITAD had taken dComms and digital-rights awareness campaigns to universities, colleges and polytechnics across Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa and Bauchi states.

The organisation has also used radio programmes and other public sensitisation activities to educate citizens about digital privacy and data protection.

“Our objective is not simply to introduce another social media platform, but to expand the choices available to Nigerians and encourage a digital environment where users have greater control over their personal information, digital identities and online interactions,” Abba said.

He urged Nigerians to make informed choices about the digital platforms they use and demand greater accountability from institutions and technology companies that collect and process their personal information.

Abba also called on government agencies, technology companies, civil society organisations and educational institutions to support a digital ecosystem built around privacy, transparency, accountability and users’ rights.

Members of the public, students and institutions interested in exploring dComms can access the platform at social.citad.org.ng.

“Digital transformation should not come at the expense of citizens’ privacy and fundamental rights,” Abba said.