Truecaller under investigation in South Africa: could your data be at risk?
Truecaller under investigation in South Africa: could your data be at risk?
If you’re using Truecaller to screen calls on your phone, you might want to pay attention. South Africa’s Information Regulator is investigating the popular app over potential violations of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), following complaints from both individuals and businesses.
Why Truecaller Is Under Scrutiny
Truecaller has become a staple for many South Africans, helping users identify unknown callers, block spam, and manage communication more efficiently. But its crowdsourced system—which allows users to mark numbers as spam—has raised legal concerns.
While Truecaller protects individuals from unwanted calls, it may also unfairly flag legitimate businesses as spam. Some companies claim the app pressures them into paying a fee—around R2.18 per call—to be whitelisted, a charge they’ve likened to extortion.
“This is about finding the balance between businesses needing to reach customers and consumers’ right to privacy.” – Rosalind Lake, Norton Rose Fulbright
What POPIA Says
POPIA aims to protect personal information while still allowing businesses to operate responsibly. Under the law, companies must:
- Inform people how their data is used
- Ensure data security
- Collect only necessary information
South African businesses, like individuals, also have privacy rights. This makes the Truecaller case particularly significant, as the outcome could set a precedent for how tech platforms manage local user data.
How Truecaller Works
Truecaller allows users to:
- Identify unknown callers
- Block spam and scam numbers
- Edit their own profiles
- Opt out of the database
However, the app has encouraged users to upload their entire address books, potentially including contacts who never signed up. Experts argue that Truecaller should notify all individuals whose numbers are in the system and provide clear instructions to opt out.
Why This Matters
Fraud and spam are major issues in South Africa. According to a 2024 TransUnion study, South Africans reported the highest rates of phone, email, and online fraud in Africa. Truecaller’s popularity reflects a real need to protect people from scams—but it also raises questions about fairness and consent.
Legal experts view the ongoing investigation as an opportunity to ensure that Truecaller continues to help users without violating privacy laws.
Tips for Using Truecaller Safely
- Be selective when granting the app access to your contacts.
- Learn how to unlist your number if you don’t want it in the database.
- Stay updated on news regarding the information regulator’s investigation.
- Be cautious if your business is flagged—review options for whitelisting responsibly.
The Bottom Line
Truecaller remains a useful tool in a country plagued by spam and scams. But both individuals and businesses must understand the legal landscape. POPIA enforcement ensures that personal data is handled responsibly, and Truecaller may need to adjust its practices to stay compliant.
For South Africans, this is not just about avoiding spam—it’s about protecting your data while respecting others’ rights.
