MWC26: Data Commissioner calls for safeguards on recycled mobile numbers at MWC 2026 Roundtable
Date: 2026-03-03
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
Kenya’s
Data Protection Commissioner, Immaculate Kassait, has called on
telecommunications companies and financial services providers to strengthen
safeguards around the handling of recycled mobile subscriber numbers.
Speaking at a closed-door Data Protection Authorities
Roundtable held during the World Mobile Congress 2026 in Barcelona, Spain,
Kassait emphasized the need to protect the rights of new data subjects when
previously assigned mobile numbers are reissued into the market. The
roundtable, themed “Strengthening Safety and Trust through Mobile-led
Innovation,” was sponsored by the Global System for Mobile Communications
Association (GSMA).
Kassait highlighted the risks
associated with recycled numbers, particularly where they remain linked to
digital accounts, financial services, or personal data of previous users. She
urged service providers to develop robust mechanisms to prevent unauthorized
access, data breaches, and infringement of privacy rights.
The
discussions formed part of broader engagements at the global technology forum,
where regulators and industry leaders are exploring ways to enhance safety,
trust, and accountability in mobile-led digital innovation.
