The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has dismissed claims of permitting telecommunication service providers to collect biometrics from Kenyans during SIM card registration.

In a statement on Tuesday, November 18, CA labelled the allegations as unfounded and concerning, insisting that it has not given any rights for the collection of such data.

"CA has noted the concerns and media commentary regarding the collection of biometric data during registration. For the avoidance of doubt, CA has not issued any directives for the collection of biometric data," the Authority clarified.

According to CA, the SIM card registration regulations were only meant to protect Kenyans from SIM-related fraud and were not in any way intended to infringe the rights of Kenyans.

The Authority also explained that the regulations were meant to strengthen the integrity of telecommunication services, ensuring that every registered line belongs to a specific person.

Read Also: Man Impersonating As A KDF Brigadier Arrested By The DCI

The regulations were also drafted to ensure secure access to digital services such as mobile money, e-government and e-commerce by members of the public.

While addressing the matter, CA clarified that the regulations define biometric data as personal data derived from specific technical processing based on physical, physiological, or behavioural characteristics.

These personal data include blood typing, DNA analysis, fingerprints, earlobe geometry, retinal scans, and voice recognition.

"This definition does not mean that all this information will be collected from subscribers during SIM card registration. As a matter of fact, the Authority has not directed our licensees to collect this data," CA noted.

The Authority went ahead to affirm that the new SIM Card Regulations impose stringent security and confidentiality obligations on telecommunications operators. 

In the notice, the Authority also dismissed claims of allowing telecommunication service providers to suspend SIM cards without any justifiable reason.

According to CA, the revised regulations allow operators to suspend SIM cards where subscribers provide false information or repeatedly ignore registration requirements.

The regulations make it clear that no subscriber can be disconnected without prior notice. Operators are required to institute clear, fair, and transparent procedures for all dealings with consumers.