IPPR’s mass-surveillance claims unwarranted, ministry says

The information ministry has dismissed claims by the Institute of Public Policy and Research (IPPR) that a campaign to register SIM cards is a mass-surveillance ploy. This follows a recent opinion piece issued by the IPPR where it voiced concerns about the process. “The ministry categorically refutes these baseless assertions by the IPPR, as they lack merit and undermine governmental efforts to combat telecommunications-aided crimes. The SIM card registration initiative is not a vehicle for government surveillance,” spokesperson Shoki Kandjimi said. It plays a crucial role in combatting phone-based fraud, identity theft and other criminal activities,” he added. Strictly regulatedLaw enforcement agencies would be able to access information obtainable from SIM cards where there existed the potential that a crime was committed, he said. “It is imperative to clarify that law enforcement agencies can only access SIM users’ call data following a reported crime and upon issuance of a warrant by a judge. The Namibia Central Intelligence Service Act and Terrorism Act, which are already in operation, strictly regulate interception, permitting it only under judicial authoritisation subsequent to a reported offence,” Kandjimi explained. He further urged the public to utilise the grace period and register their SIM cards before 31 March to avoid being disconnected from the network.Logical consequenceAccording to the IPPR, indiscriminate mass surveillance is the logical consequence of mandatory SIM card registration and bulk data retention. “Every packet of telecommunications data has to be stored for a period of five years and can be linked to a verified and traceable telecommunications service user,” it said.

IPPR’s mass-surveillance claims unwarranted, ministry says

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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IPPR’s mass-surveillance claims unwarranted, ministry says

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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