2023年5月15日

雖然我們有很多數字貸款平台波瀾,一個脫穎而出,那是PalmPay。PalmPay,緬甸fintech啟動,是病毒的核心模因和社交媒體嘲笑關於債務收集方法。雖然大多數這些模因是有趣的動人心魄,對某些人來說是一場惡夢,還帶有一些擔憂——關注用戶隱私和債務的方法集合。而與描述代理公司否認有任何聯係,許多用戶抱怨騷擾和激進的戰術使用PalmPay和其他貸款平台收集團隊。本文還探討了倫理問題圍繞債務收集實踐在尼日利亞的數字貸款行業,強調提高隱私法規和道德標準的必要性。貸款應用程序在尼日利亞貸款的普及應用獲得了巨大的知名度在尼日利亞,徹底改變人們如何獲得快速和方便的金融援助。這些應用已經成為主力隊員個人需要緊急基金,尤其是那些可能沒有方便地訪問傳統的銀行服務。在尼日利亞的一些受歡迎的貸款應用程序包括碳(原名Paylater)、分支,FairMoney, RenMoney Palmcredit,提到一些。這些貸款的應用得到普及由於其方便、可訪問性、和提供貸款的能力迅速沒有廣泛的文書工作和擔保要求。他們有了一個至關重要的差距在金融部門,確保個人獲得急需的資金在緊急情況或為個人和商業目的。 Unethical Debt Collection Practices Given the sub-prime nature of many digital loans in Nigeria, lenders often incorporate the risk into their interest rates. However, when borrowers default, some lenders resort to unethical practices to pressure them into repayment. These tactics often involve public shaming, relentless phone calls, and text messages to borrowers’ contacts. Most of these loan startups have faced allegations of privacy breaches, with claims that their agents share borrowers’ BVN details and personal photographs, along with defamatory messages branding them as “wanted criminals.” In the forefront facing this allegation is PalmPay. These days, when you stroll through the digital streets of Twitter Ng (my favorite digital space), you will come across a few. However, in response to the online memes and allegations, It is claimed that PalmPay has denied any involvement in the depicted debt collection methods. The company emphasizes that the agents shown in the memes are not affiliated with PalmPay and states that it has strict policies in place to protect user data. PalmPay asserts that it does not share BVN details, photographs, or telephone contact lists. They have initiated a comprehensive audit of their loan processes and implemented tighter monitoring systems to ensure compliance with their policies. The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) needs to implement more policies to address privacy concerns related to digital lenders. This is not to discredit what they have been doing so far. For example, in 2021, Soko Lending Company , a digital lending firm, faced a penalty of 10 million Naira by the National Information Development Technology Agency (NITDA) following more than 40 complaints regarding the misuse of personal data. This prompted NITDA to partner with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to safeguard consumer rights. As a result, FCCPC has taken decisive action against various digital lending companies to address violations of consumer rights. In addition, a new policy is set to take effect from May 31, 2023. This policy aims to restrict digital lenders’ access to borrowers’ contacts and photos. The Need for Privacy and Ethics The experiences of borrowers and the conversations around these loan companies moving like Gangstar loan sharks shed light on the urgent need for discussions around data privacy and ethical debt collection practices. While the new policy aims to address some concerns, it is crucial for regulatory bodies like NITDA to not just make but enforce privacy regulations in the digital lending space proactively. Also, fintech startups must prioritize ethical debt collection methods and ensure the protection of borrowers’ personal information. Allegations of aggressive debt collection practices have marred the rise in the popularity of digital wallets and lending platforms. The incidents described by borrowers emphasize the necessity. About GetFundedAfrica GetFundedAfrica is a cloud-based technology platform specializing in developing software that helps businesses to fundraise, grow, and tell their stories. Whether you want to raise funds ranging from $100k to $50m, scale your business or share your entrepreneurial journey, sign up for free at www.getfundedafrica.com Tags