MTN South Africa Launches Fingerprint and Face ID Verification for Customers
MTN South Africa is pioneering a new era of customer security by introducing a digital identity system across all its stores nationwide. This advanced system utilises fingerprint and facial recognition technology to verify customer identities, aiming to significantly streamline the sign-up process for new contracts and services while bolstering defences against fraudulent activities. The move establishes MTN as the first mobile network operator in South Africa to implement biometric verification on such a comprehensive scale, marking a significant step forward in the country’s telecommunications sector.
A Strategic Defence Against Billions in Fraud
This nationwide rollout is a direct response to the escalating threat of identity theft and sophisticated SIM swap scams. These illicit activities have become a major concern, contributing to an estimated R5.3 billion ($300 million) in losses from telecom-related fraud in 2024, as highlighted in a July 2025 report by the Communication Risk Information Centre (Comric). The decision to deploy the system follows a highly successful six-month pilot program conducted in 20% of MTN’s retail locations. The pilot demonstrated that the technology not only expedited the new customer registration process but was also highly effective in preventing identity fraud. To bring this innovative solution to market, MTN collaborated with Vigilate AI, a global specialist in biometric technology, to develop and build the robust verification platform.
The implementation of this biometric system underscores MTN’s commitment to leveraging technology for customer benefit. In a statement, the company noted that “The deployment of this biometric system is part of our ongoing investment in innovation that makes our customers’ lives easier, safer, and more” connected. By integrating fingerprint and face ID, MTN is not only simplifying in-store interactions but also providing a powerful new layer of protection, ensuring that a customer’s identity is secure and making the network a safer place for everyone.
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