Tech experts have raised fresh concerns about the growing misuse of digital monitoring applications in Nigeria and across the African tech space. Many of these tools, which were originally created for safety and workplace monitoring, are now being used for spying on partners and breaching people’s privacy.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Digital Head of Youth Orientation for Development at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, Mr Godwin Iheuwa, warned that unethical surveillance is becoming a major problem in the region. He disclosed this during a conversation on Creators Corner, a programme on KongaFM hosted by Otueze Fredrick.
Iheuwa explained that many young people and adults are confused about how spy apps work and the ethical issues surrounding them. According to him, applications such as mSpy, which were meant to help parents monitor their children or assist organisations in tracking company devices, are now widely used for harmful personal purposes.
He said the trend is disturbing, noting that “Using these apps to monitor a partner is not only unethical but illegal.” Iheuwa added that such behaviour has become common because people do not understand boundaries in online relationships.
He urged young Nigerians to rethink their behaviour in the digital space and to respect privacy, whether offline or online. He stressed that technology should support creativity and innovation, not tear down trust between partners, friends, or colleagues.
Beyond raising concerns about privacy violations, Iheuwa also spoke about the need for a more responsible digital culture among African creatives. He explained that digital literacy has become a crucial skill for anyone who wants to thrive in today’s online ecosystem.
According to him, digital literacy goes beyond knowing how to use a smartphone. It covers understanding privacy rules, recognising harmful online behaviour, and knowing how tools such as artificial intelligence can support creativity and digital innovation. He said many opportunities wait for African creatives if they choose to learn and grow in the right way.
Iheuwa added that success in the digital world depends on three important pillars: consistency, adaptability, and visibility. He explained that a creator may be talented, but without staying active, adapting to new trends, and placing themselves on global platforms, they may remain unnoticed.
He emphasised that access to information is more important than access to expensive devices. “The real determinant of success is knowledge. Africans can lead global digital innovation if they embrace continuous learning and responsible use of technology,” he said.
Earlier in the programme, the host, Otueze Fredrick, expressed worry that spying on people’s phones is becoming normal among young people. According to him, this trend could have serious consequences for relationships.
“We are slowly slipping into a culture where invading someone’s privacy feels normal. If we don’t challenge that mindset now, it’s going to damage trust and relationships beyond repair,” Fredrick warned.
Another technology analyst, Eze Akalugwu, who joined the programme remotely, shared his thoughts on the issue. Akalugwu said that the digital world has blurred the line between what is private and what is public. He noted that without strong digital ethics, anyone could become a victim of exposure.
Akalugwu also highlighted the financial opportunities available in digital marketplaces such as Fiverr, Selar, and Etsy, which allow creatives to sell digital products and services. He added that platforms like YouTube Studio and TikTok Analytics offer useful insights for content creators who want to grow their audience.
He said the problem of digital snooping is linked to a bigger problem: low digital awareness. Akalugwu called for stronger education, better enforcement of digital rights, and a cultural shift toward ethical online behaviour.
The experts all agreed that while technology has opened doors for creativity, learning, and financial growth, it should be used responsibly. They added that the misuse of monitoring apps can easily lead to legal issues, broken relationships, and long-term psychological damage.
They urged policymakers, civil society groups, and young people to work together to promote digital responsibility and respect for privacy.
