As the internet continues to become a more prevalent and powerful force in Africa, Quartz reports on how more African governments want access to citizens' data from large tech companies. "Some African governments are showing signs they also believe the internet giants know more than they do," the report states. "Like with internet shutdowns, the governments say their concern is national security." Kenyan leadership has reportedly asked mobile network operators  how to access users' information "if needed," the report continues. A Nigerian senior official expressed frustration last year over the lack of technical ability preventing the government from accessing WhatsApp chats. These inquiries are the beginning of a "slippery slope" for citizens' personal privacy, the report adds.
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