Kenya Considers Mandatory DNA Collection for SIM Card Registration
Kenya’s telecom landscape is on the cusp of significant change, with the Communications Authority (CA) proposing radical new rules for SIM card registration. These draft regulations, slated for implementation in 2025, could mandate the collection of highly sensitive biometric data from anyone seeking to acquire a new SIM card. This proposed move has sparked considerable controversy, raising serious concerns about privacy, security, and the potential for misuse of personal information.
Intrusive Biometric Data Collection Raises Concerns
The proposed regulations go far beyond the standard requirement of providing names, ID numbers, or birthdates. They would require telecom companies to collect DNA samples, blood types, retinal scans, and even earlobe geometry from individuals registering new SIM cards. This level of data collection is unprecedented and has drawn sharp criticism from tech analysts and privacy advocates. Experts caution that collecting such intimate biological information creates substantial privacy and security risks. They worry about the capacity of many telecom companies to securely store and protect such sensitive data, making it vulnerable to breaches and unauthorized access. The proposal has left many asking whether the benefits, if any, outweigh the potential for harm.
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