DoT Tightens SIM Rules, Biometric Verification Made Mandatory

The process of getting a new SIM card is set to become more stringent, with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) introducing stronger identity verification requirements. Under the new rules, biometric verification will be required when obtaining a new mobile connection.

Customers may have to verify their identity using biometric details such as fingerprints, facial recognition or iris scans, in addition to the usual KYC documents.The requirement will not be limited to new SIM connections. Biometric verification may also be used when customers update their details, deactivate a connection or undergo identity re-verification. The government says the move is aimed at preventing SIM cards from being obtained using fake identities and reducing the misuse of mobile connections.

The changes are significant because mobile numbers are now closely linked to banking, UPI and several other digital services. Ensuring that a mobile connection is genuinely registered in the name of its user is therefore considered important for strengthening digital security.

The DoT has also specified limits on the number of mobile connections an individual can hold. A person can have up to nine mobile connections registered in their name. However, the limit is six connections in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and the North East service areas.

Customers found to have more connections than the permitted limit will be required to discontinue the additional numbers. The new measures are intended to strengthen subscriber verification and curb the use of mobile connections for fraudulent or illegal activities.