The Data Protection Commission has cautioned the public to refrain from downloading unlicensed loan apps that request access to their personal and private data.
According to the Commission, these online loan applications are not registered with the Data Protection Commission as stipulated in section (46) 3 of Act 843 and therefore have no authorization to operate in Ghana.
A statement from the Commission said these apps remain largely unchecked and have continued in their operations, causing distress, defaming borrowers and violating the privacy of individuals.
“The digital lending apps require certain permissions upon installation, including access to users’ private information such as their contacts, text messages, location and calendar.
“One would have thought that the data collected is used to screen users’ behavioural data and assess their eligibility for loans, but complaints from borrowers indicate that the data collected is to debt shame when these borrowers default in payment,” the statement disclosed.
Other complaints also indicate that even in the event of full repayment, the administrators of the loan apps take advantage of the data in their possession to infringe on borrowers’ privacy right.
The statement encouraged data subjects who have fallen victim to these apps to submit their complaints to the Commission as they are ready to assist the police with their investigations.
Among the list of unlicensed online loan applications are:
1. Ficashx
2. Kudicredit
3. Popcash
4. Sikapurse
5. Ficash
6. SoftKash
7. Fourcredy
8. Akwaaba Cash
9. Ultra Loans
10. Loan Pro
11. Machloan
12. Pro Kash
13. Cocoaloan
14. SmartMoney
15. Easy Loan
16. Boseafie Loans
17. MomCash
18. Onloans
19. Cedi story
20. Loan Galaxy
21. Creditbay
Below is the full statement
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