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Apple Faces Backlash in France Over Unauthorized Personalized Ads

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Over2,000 French SME’s owners filed a complaint against U.S company Apple on Tuesday, accusing the brand of not seeking permission from users for personalized advertising. In a joint petition filed with the French data privacy watchdog CNIL, the France Digitale group says such advertising is activated automatically during an update of Apple iPhones and Mac computers.

Apple rejected the allegations as “patently false”, saying in a statement to AFP that “privacy is built into the ads we sell on our platform with no tracking.”

 

Personalised advertising is found in Apple applications such as the App Store and Apple News, and the US group acknowledges that it uses personal and technical information including geo-localisation and search records.

Apple insists it does not pass personal user data on to third parties but collates them in “segments” of several thousand people.

“We are obligated to make certain non-personal information available to strategic partners that work with Apple” to help them sell products, the company’s technical documents say.

France Digitale claims that “prior and presumed agreement by Apple of users’ consent are not in line with European standards”.

“If the complaint is borne out by facts, it would mean that Apple allows its applications to do things that it does not authorise from third-party developers,” France Digitale chief executive Nicolas Brien told AFP.

 

Apple said the allegations “will be seen for what they are, a poor attempt by those who track users to distract from their own actions and mislead regulators and policymakers.

“We hold ourselves to a higher standard by allowing users to opt out of Apple’s limited first-party data use for personalized advertising, a feature that makes us unique,” it added.

Apple is rolling out a new mobile operating system, iOS 14, and plans to systematically ask users to authorise application developers to use the device’s Identifier for Advertisers, or IDFA.

That has shaken up the online advertising sector, which depends on access to personal data, and caused a rift between Apple and the social media group Facebook.

But Austrian digital rights group NOYB (None of Your Business) has filed complaints against Apple in Germany and Spain for allowing applications to us IDFAs without specific consent.

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Coronation Group, Access Holdings Plc, Safaricom and M-PESA Africa Partner to Explore Remittances

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A transformative collaboration aimed at broadening access to remittances across Africa has been forged among Coronation Group, Access Holdings Plc, Safaricom Plc and M-PESA Africa (the parties) as the parties come together in a strategic alliance dedicated to propelling financial inclusion and nurturing economic prosperity for millions across the continent. 

The parties aim to explore solutions that will provide a remittance corridor between East and West Africa, connecting some of the continent’s largest economies.

The collaboration will see the convergence of Access Holdings’ robust Pan-African banking infrastructure, spanning 14 African countries, with Coronation Group’s comprehensive array of technology-infused financial services offerings in West Africa, coupled with M-PESAand Safaricom. M-PESA is the continent’s leading mobile money and digital payments service, connecting more than 60 million customers and 5 million businesses across 8 countries and processing more than $1 billion a day in transaction value. Safaricom is Kenya’s leading telecommunications, ICT and financial services provider with more than 32 million of its customers using M-PESA services every month.

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings and Coronation Group, emphasised the ethos of empowerment that forms the foundation of this collaboration. We stand at the threshold of an extraordinary journey, one poised to shape the financial landscape of Africa. This partnership encompasses more than a convergence of capabilities; it signifies the fusion of collective expertise, resources, and an unwavering commitment to drive financial inclusion, empowering millions throughout Africa. Through collaborative innovation, shared vision, and resolute determination, we are primed to unlock unprecedented opportunities, transform lives, and make an indelible imprint on Africa’s trajectory,” Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede added.

Sharing insights into the transformative potential of the collaboration, Bolaji Agbede, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, affirmed, Our conviction remains steadfast – this collaboration has the power to recalibrate the trajectory of financial services in Africa. By combining our strengths with those of Coronation Group, Safaricom and M-Pesa Africa, we will deliver on our promise of sustainably impacting our stakeholders, empowering individuals, and significantly contributing to the continent’s economic ascension.”

“African countries trade more with nations outside the continent than within themselves. Initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) seek to address the lack of intra-continental trade. This partnership with Safaricom, Coronation Group and Access Holdings seeks to explore remittance corridors between East and West Africa bringing alive the AfCFTA spirit,” said Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, MD – M-PESA Africa.

“We will be collaborating with M-PESA Africa, Coronation Group and Access Holdings to explore secure, convenient, and affordable remittance solutions that will connect our customers to opportunities in West Africa. Africa remains an underserved region especially for remittances within the continent making such partnerships crucial in closing the gap,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO – Safaricom.

The initial phase of the collaboration will concentrate on pivotal markets, including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Tanzania.

The collaboration is subject to commercial discussions and definitive agreements, internal corporate approvals of the respective parties and relevant legal and regulatory processes. The partners remain steadfast in their adherence to regulatory frameworks and their dedication to establishing an enabling environment that empowers individuals and enterprises alike, fostering significant contributions to Africa’s economic advancement.

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DAME (DR.) ADAORA UMEOJI GMD/CEO HAS BEEN APPOINTED BY ZENITH BANK TO TAKE OVER FROM DR. EBENEZER ONYEAGWU

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Zenith Bank Plc has announced the appointment of Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, as Group Managing Director/Chief Executive with effect from June 1, 2024, subject to approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). She takes over from Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, whose five-year term expires on May 31, 2024, after a very successful tenure. Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji is the first female GMD/CEO since the inception of the bank, and her appointment is consistent with the bank’s executive transition tradition, succession plan, and strategy of grooming leaders from within.


Prior to this appointment, Dr. Umeoji has been the Deputy Managing Director of the bank since October 28, 2016 and has close to thirty (30) years cognate banking experience of which twenty-six (26) years has been with Zenith Bank.

She is an alumnus of the prestigious Harvard Business School where she attended the Advanced Management Program (AMP) and an alumnus of Columbia Business School with a Certificate in the Global Banking Program. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Jos, a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and a First-Class honors in Law from BazeUniversity, Abuja. She holds a Master of Laws from the University of Salford, United Kingdom, a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Calabar, and also has a doctorate in business administration from Apollos University, USA.

She holds a Certificate in Economics for Business from the prestigious MIT Sloan School of Management, USA, and has attended various management programmes in renowned Universities around the world including the strategic thinking and Management programme at Wharton Business School, USA. She also attended the executive program in Strategic Management, and has a Certificate in Leading Global Business all from Harvard Business School, USA.

She is a fellow of notable professional bodies including the Chartered Banker Institute, UK, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Nigerian Institute of Management, Institute of Credit Administration, Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Nigeria, Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators, and the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria among others.

In 2022, the Federal Government of Nigeria honored Dr. Umeoji with Officer of the Order of the Niger, as a recognition of her contributions to nation building. She is a Peace Advocate of the United Nations (UN-POLAC).

She has impacted many lives through her philanthropic and humanitarian activities through her NGOs; Pink Breathe Cancer Foundation and the Adorable Foundation that educates, caters for Cancer patients and indigent children education especially the Girl-Child. Her contribution to humanity was recognized by the Sun Newspaper which recently bestowed on her the Humanitarian Service Icon Award for 2023.

As a result of her passion for promoting professionalism in the banking industry and improving the well-being of the less privileged, Dr. AdaoraUmeoji, OON founded the Catholic Bankers Association of Nigeria (CBAN), a platform she uses to promote ethical banking and service to humanity.

She is a Lady of the Order of Knights of St. John International (KSJI), and was awarded a Papal Knight of the Order of St. Sylvester by His Holiness Pope Francis.

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Access Bank to Acquire Majority Stake inFinance Trust Bank, Targets Financial Inclusion, Empowerment, and Innovation in Uganda

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Finance Trust Bank (FTB) and Access Bank PLC (“Access Bank”) have announced the signing of a definitive agreement forAccess Bank’s equity investment into FTB. The deal willalso see Access Bank concurrently acquiring the shares currently held by FTB’s Institutional Shareholders whohave sought to exit to a strategic, long-term shareholder.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals by the Central Bank of Nigeria and Bank of Uganda, and is expected to close in the first half of 2024, following the fulfilment of customary conditions precedent. Following the anticipated closing of the transaction, Access Bank would own an estimated 80% shareholding in FTB.

Coming at a time when commercial banks in Uganda are looking to increase their capital, this strategic acquisitionpresents an opportunity for Access Bank to partner with FTB and its stakeholders to create more significantopportunities for financial inclusion, product diversification, and, ultimately, greater customer-centricity. Access Bank’s presence in over 20 countries globally presents a robust platform that FTB’s customers can leverage to boost trade opportunities with the rest of the world.

Commenting on the Transaction, Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director of Access Bank PLC said, Theprospective acquisition of majority equity stake in Finance Trust Bank marks an important milestone for Access Bank as we strengthen our regional presence in the East African Community trade region. This also moves us closer to realizing our five-year strategic plan through continued expansion to achieve scaled benefits across key African markets. Beyond our expansion goals, this deal will enable the Bank to deepen its community and women impact initiatives, as we will be building on FTB’s mission to effectively deliver innovative financial solutions to customers and stakeholders, especially women. Our storied history and experience in gender initiatives and women empowerment will greatly benefit FTB’s current deposit and loan portfolio – which currently comprises about 40% women – and the larger Ugandan community.”

Annet Nakawunde Mulindwa, Managing Director ofFinance Trust Bank said, “Finance Trust Bank is thrilled to announce this transformative partnership with Access Bank PLC, as it marks a pivotal moment in our growth journey and presents an extraordinary opportunity for our valued customers and stakeholders. This strategic alliance will fortify our position in the financial landscape and enable us to offer our customers a broader array of innovative products and services. 

As we embark on this journey, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to our loyal customers, dedicated employees, and valued shareholders for their unwavering support. Leveraging Access Bank’s global presence and expertise, we look forward to reaching new heights and continuing to serve as a trusted financial partner to our customers and communities across Uganda,” she added.

The transaction will enable both banks to merge their technological resources, providing Finance Trust Bank customers with access to secure and diversified digital platforms for seamless transactions and banking servicesprovided by Access Bank. Furthermore, FTB would be able to leverage Access Bank’s expertise in building deep sector relevance across several industries and tap intorevenue opportunities across new customer segmentswhich cut across business and retail banking.

Access Bank Plc remains steadfast in its commitment to driving sustainable growth and creating exceptional value for its stakeholders. The acquisition of FTB stands as a testament to the Bank’s unwavering dedication to expanding its footprint and supporting the economic progress across East Africa.

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