The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has issued a directive to telecoms operators that, in the absence of a data protection legislative framework, the mandatory collection of biometric data will no longer be required for SIM card registration. The directive follows complaints from the public and media regarding the practice by some mobile operators of requesting such data during the registration process, CRAN Chief Executive Emilia Nghikembua said in a statement. Customers can still voluntarily share biometric information.
‘CRAN issued a directive to all concerned operators that the mandatory capturing of biometric data will no longer be required for SIM card registration. Operators will only require the information as set out in the regulations, which includes the name of the customer, his/her address of ordinary residence, and his/her Namibian ID, passport, or any other official identity document issued by the government or any other country,’ Nghikembua stated, adding: ‘We are also pleased that the operators have made good progress and encourage all consumers to ensure that their SIM cards are registered before the deadline of 31 December 2023.’
Namibia kicked off the mandatory SIM card registration exercise in January, with service providers given twelve months to conclude the registration of all existing customers. New subscriptions, meanwhile, are required to register their information within three months from the date of sale. The national initiative is intended to facilitate the investigation of crimes and enhance e-commerce activities, according to CRAN.
Market-leading cellco Mobile Telecommunications (MTC) has announced it will defy the regulator’s latest directive, however, arguing biometric data capture enhances customer security and convenience. ‘MTC is thoughtful to the notice put forth by CRAN and wishes to state that while we are in total unison with CRAN’s considerations, MTC’s position is that the rationale behind biometric as part of its “Verifi” process is an extended and enhanced tool for customer authenticity, considering increased cyber and online fraud often involving stolen identities,’ spokesperson Tim Ekandjo said in a statement. ‘To date, a total of 1,002,032 SIM cards have been registered, and the position of MTC is that it will continue offering its biometric process as a condition of service to its customers,’ he added.