Safaricom Enhances M-PESA Privacy with New "Consent-Based" Information Sharing

Safaricom Group CEO Dr. Peter Ndegwa C.B.S. has announced a major enhancement to M-PESA’s privacy framework, aimed at reducing the unnecessary exposure of personal data. Under the new update, the amount of information visible to a recipient during a standard "Send Money" transaction will be strictly minimized. This move directly addresses growing consumer concerns regarding data privacy and the potential misuse of personal phone numbers and names obtained through mobile money reversals or unsolicited messages. A core component of this rollout is the introduction of a consent-based information-sharing process. If a recipient requires the full details of a sender for record-keeping or verification, they must initiate a formal request within 24 hours of the transaction. The sender is then prompted to approve or decline the sharing of their full name and mobile number. To ensure security, these requests expire automatically if unanswered within two hours. This proactive shift ensures that the user remains the ultimate gatekeeper of their digital identity while maintaining the platform's seamless transactional flow. Why this matters This initiative sets a new benchmark for Data Protection in Africa’s fintech landscape, aligning Safaricom with global standards like the GDPR and Kenya’s Data Protection Act. By limiting data exposure, Safaricom is significantly de-risking the platform against social engineering, identity theft, and digital harassment. For the broader economy, this builds a deeper "trust layer," encouraging more hesitant users to embrace mobile commerce knowing their personal contact details are no longer a default "public" record during every transaction. Opportunity sector Cybersecurity & Data Privacy: Increased demand for consultants and firms that can help other fintechs and SMEs audit their systems to match these new privacy benchmarks. Customer Experience (CX) Design: Opportunities for UI/UX developers to refine how consent prompts are delivered to ensure they do not hinder the speed of digital trade. Fraud Management Systems: Growth in the development of secondary verification tools that do not rely on PII (Personally Identifiable Information) but rather on secure, encrypted tokens. Moto Seen Africa — Africa’s View, Seen Clearly. #Safaricom #MPESA #DataPrivacy #FintechAfrica #DigitalSecurity #Innovation #KenyaTech #MotoSeenAfrica #Vision100