By Evance Chisiano

Blantyre, May 20, Mana:  Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) on Tuesday engaged stakeholders in Blantyre on the Authority’s intention to embark on a Bio-metric SIM registration in line with the 2024 Data Protection Law to ensure a society safer from various cybercrimes.

The consultative meeting with targeted social media influencers, civil society organization representatives, Blantyre City Council ward councilors, among others discussed topics such, Bio-metric SIM registration, operationalizing Sim registration in Malawi- enhancing consumer protection, and counterfeit device enforcement.

In his remarks during the opening of the meeting, MACRA`s Head of ICT, Steven Perete said the Authority has the mandate to protect ICT consumers, adding that this was the reason the Data Protection Act was passed.    

He said MACRA will do the Bio-metric SIM registration following concerns from consumers on increased digital fraud and many forms of cybercrime.

Perete said the BIO metric SIM registration will involve finger printing and facial recognition.

“Bio metric SIM registration is not about surveillance of ICT consumers rather is about security and trust,” he said,

Perete further said an individual will be allowed to register less than ten sim cards per mobile provider.

He therefore called on people to comply by registering their SIMs bio metrically for improved service delivery and ensure safer digital society, when the exercise rolls out on 1 July this year.  

The MACRA ICT Head observed that with the bio metric sim card registration, law enforcement agents will be able to trace fraudsters easily, saying this will also create a safer zone for consumers.

Blantyre based Young Voices Communication and Advocacy Officer, Jacquline Butao said Young Voices will carry out a series of public awareness on importance of the Bio-metric SIM registration.

“We will raise awareness on Bio-metric SIM registration in our project areas and will explain benefits of registering SIM cards bio metrically,” she said.   

However, Blantyre City Mayor, Councilor Makwinja observed that involvement of National Identity Cards in the Bio-metric registration is tricky and politically sensitive.

“I am afraid this will create a lot of speculations in the public. People are already speculating a lot on use of machines in the election and you’re bringing in the issue of Bio-metric SIM registration,” he said.

He therefore asked MACRA to consider shifting the exercise later, preferably after the general elections.  

MACRA held similar consultations in Mzuzu and Lilongwe where stakeholders said the Bio-metric SIM card registration is a way to go in addressing fraud and other digital crimes.