Kenya: No, Telcos Won't Take Your DNA - Breaking Down New SIM-Registration Regulations

Kenya: No, Telcos Won't Take Your DNA - Breaking Down New SIM-Registration Regulations

Nairobi -- Kenya's newly revised SIM-card registration regulations have sparked public concern over the scope of personal data referenced in the law -- particularly the inclusion of highly sensitive biometric identifiers such as DNA, retinal scans, earlobe geometry and fingerprints.

CA: We won't take your DNA, fingerprints during SIM card registration

The Communications Authority (CA) said it has not issued such directive and termed the fears as unfounded.

No DNA for SIM cards: Kenya’s ICT regulator clarifies new rules

Kenya’s ICT regulator, the Communications Authority (CA), has clarified that proposed SIM registration rules will not demand biological identifiers such as DNA or blood type, despite earlier reports suggesting otherwise. The clarification comes after a week of industry anxiety and public outcry sparked by media reports that claimed SIM card holders would need to provide DNA information, along with legal definitions that raised fears of state sur…

CA Denies Claims of Mandatory Biometric Data Collection in New SIM Card Rules

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has dismissed growing concerns that Kenyans will be required to submit biometric data when registering new SIM cards under the revised SIM card regulations. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the regulator said the claims were unfounded and clarified that it has not directed any mobile operator to collect biometric details from subscribers. “For the avoidance of doubt, CA has NOT issued any directives fo…

CA denies ordering collection of biometric data for mobile subscribers

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 18 — The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has dismissed reports claiming it is compelling mobile network operators to collect biometric data under the country’s newly revised SIM card registration regulations. In a statement issued Tuesday, the regulator termed the concerns “unfounded,” emphasizing that it has not directed operators to collect fingerprints, retinal scans, DNA, or any other highly sensitive biological id…