HIBAPRESS – Chafiq Anouri
The report issued by the European institution specialized in cybersecurity and foreign trade "EuroSec", regarding the risks of smuggled phones to Morocco, has raised widespread concerns among citizens.
The European report outlined the risks of this illegal activity, stating that the flow of smuggled phones has contributed to creating an imbalance within the sector, highlighting that the matter is not limited to the financial aspect only, but extends to the security field, especially since many of these devices contain malicious software. In this context, Ali Chtour, president of the Moroccan Association for the Defense of Consumer Rights, affirmed that the Moroccan markets have recently witnessed a noticeable increase in the phenomenon of selling used smuggled smartphones, which is considered a real challenge on several levels, whether economic, security, or even legal. Chtour added in a statement to the "HIBAPRESS" website that this phenomenon causes "direct harm to the national economy, as the state treasury loses significant customs and tax revenues as a result of the entry of these devices illegally and in devious ways, far from customs control or respect for the procedures in place in the field of import." Chtour continued that some of these phones may be "modified or loaded with malicious software, which makes them a direct threat to the safety and security of consumers' personal data", which clearly violates "the provisions of Law 09.08 relating to the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data." This matter also violates, according to Chtour, "the provisions of Law 31.08 relating to consumer protection, which guarantees the right to safety, the right to information, and the right to compensation," demanding that the responsible authorities "take strict measures to limit this phenomenon, by tightening control on borders and customs outlets." Chtour also called for "strengthening inspection and monitoring mechanisms to prevent the entry of smuggled devices, with the launch of awareness campaigns for consumers about the risks of purchasing these phones, whether from a security or legal point of view, and imposing strict legal controls on commercial stores that promote these devices." Chtour emphasized the need to "tighten penalties for violators and enhance cooperation between customs, security services, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade to ensure a transparent and fair market environment," pointing out in the same context the importance of "supporting the national market and encouraging the import of phones through official channels." According to Chtour, this matter will ensure "the protection of the national economy and ensure the quality of the products offered", confirming at the conclusion that the association he heads is committed to "defending the rights of the Moroccan consumer", calling on "all parties to seriously interact with this phenomenon to protect the national economy and personal data."
