• Broadcasting stations advised against asking callers for personal information.
• Revelation of such details poses a security risk.
• All broadcasting stations are expected to comply with the directive.
Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has advised broadcasting stations across the country to avoid requesting their callers to reveal personal information live on air.
In a statement obtained by Money FM News, Authority Director General Josephine Mapoma said asking callers to reveal information such as National Registration Card (NRC) Numbers either in part or in full, full names and mobile numbers when participating in live promotional campaign programs poses a security risk to them.
Ms. Mapoma said the directive is being issued following consultations with the Bank of Zambia, hence all broadcasting stations must obtain such information from their listeners or viewers off air in order to avoid public disclosure of personal details.
“It is important to note that the disclosure of such detailed personal information on air may provide a ripe environment for fraudsters to perpetuate fraud through impersonation and may erode the gains the country has made in migrating people to a digital economy through digital financial services,” Ms. Mapoma said.
Ms. Mapoma advised all broadcasting stations to comply with the directive which has been issued in accordance with the provisions of the IBA Act of 2002.
