Safaricom has responded to Kenyans following claims that the telco giant publicly shares customers’ private information.
In a statement issued on June 25, Safaricom acknowledged the online conversations and concerns raised surrounding data privacy.
The company also clarified that it had not shared any of its customers’ information with any government agency.
“We respect our customers privacy and adhere strictly by the country’s data protection laws. As such we do not share any customer data unless explicitly required of us via a court order,” Safaricom said.
“On the current issue in discussion, we confirm that we have not received any court order requiring us to share customer information with any government agency.”
Safaricom Denies Sharing Users Information
The statement comes after people on social media raised complaints, alleging that telco giant assists the deep state in kidnapping and abducting anti-finance bill protesters.
The accusations, have gained significant traction online, sparking outrage particularly among the country’s youth, leading to calls for a boycott of Safaricom’s services.
They claim that the telecom giant provides communication data and real-time locations of people to government authorities.
Also Read:Â Ruto Addresses Gen Z-Led Anti-Finance Bill Protests, Gives Way Foward
Furthermore, the users raised concerns on the issue of privacy without consent as it is enshrined the Constitution of Kenya.
Social media users further called on the company to clarify and explain whether they are cooperating with the police to track down innocent protesters.
They maintained that The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and National Intelligence Service (NIS) track phone calls, SMS messages, and location through a backdoor provided by Safaricom.
Kenyans Calls Out Telco Giant
“DCI are picking people one by one with the aid of Safaricom, folks are being tracked to their doorsteps,” Maverick Aoko said.
“It’s a reaction I anticipated from this regime, And I’ve kept tweeting that hii kitu (this thing), they’ll neuter it by all means.”
Also Read:Â Gabriel Oguda & Other Anti-Finance Bill Protesters Allegedly Abducted Ahead of Demos
Edgar Bwire, an influential social media personality in a viral post, also accused Safaricom of aiding government by sharing real-time locations of individuals.
“Safaricom is aiding the abductions by providing comms data and real-time locations of people. Trust me, we will revisit. We will boycott Safaricom products,” he asserted.
Authorities have arrested key figures in the Gen Z-led peaceful protests, and their whereabouts are currently unknown.
Among those arrested include Gabriel Oguda, Osama, Shadrack Kiprono, alias Shad Khalif,Drey Mwangi, TemperCR7, Harriet, Worldsmith , John Frank Githiaka alias Franje and Hilla254.
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