22/09/2026
You never downloaded Truecaller.
So why might your name and phone number still appear there? 👀
Here’s the part many people don’t think about:
Someone else can have your number saved in their contacts, grant an app access to those contacts, and your information may become part of the conversation.
This issue recently came before the Lagos State High Court in a case involving Truecaller and the processing of non-users’ phone numbers.
The case raised an important data protection question:
Can one person’s consent automatically amount to consent for processing another person’s personal data?
Under Nigeria’s data protection framework, consent is only one possible lawful basis for processing. Data must also be handled fairly, lawfully and transparently, for specified purposes, limited to what is necessary, kept only as long as necessary, and appropriately secured. (National Development Planning Commission)
And as a data subject, you have rights — including the right to access your data, object to certain processing, request correction, and lodge a complaint with the NDPC. (National Development Planning Commission)
So the next time an app asks:
“Allow access to your contacts?”
Maybe remember that those contacts are not just names on a screen.
They belong to real people.
Know your data. Know your rights.
Save this post and send it to that friend who gives every app access to their contacts.