The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has asked the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to enforce this rule to stop the misuse of mobile connections issued with fake documents. Thus, Aadhaar-based biometric verification has been ushered mandatory for new SIM cards
This comes after a telecom sector review found fake SIM cards playing a big role in financial scams. Investigators even found cases where a single device was tied to multiple fake SIMs, breaking the rules and fueling cybercrime.
Aadhaar-based biometric verification is essential
So, in order to get a new SIM card, Aadhaar-based biometric verification is essential as a top requirement. This rule is enforced to stop the misuse of mobile connections issued with fake documents. Turns out, those dodgy SIM cards are often linked to fraud and other crimes.
Until now, a user could use any government ID, like voter ID or passport, to get a new connection. But with this update, retailers can only activate a SIM card after verifying Aadhaar details biometrically. In short, no biometric oriented ‘Aadhaar’, no ‘SIM’.
Fake SIM cards Playing a big role in Financial Scams
This comes after a telecom sector review found fake SIM cards playing a big role in financial scams. Investigators even found cases where a single device was tied to multiple fake SIMs, breaking the rules and fueling cybercrime.
Retailers caught issuing SIM cards with fake IDs could be in serious trouble. The government has also told the telecom department to work with law enforcement and use AI tools to track down fraudsters.
In order to get a new SIM card; Aadhaar details & Aadhaar linked mobile number are required first and foremost; and, phone number of a local reference (friend / family) in case SIM delivery address & Aadhaar address are in different states.
Legal Requirements for SIM Replacement Under the SIM Registration Act are (i) Present Valid Identification (ID). (ii) Personal Information. (iii) Duly Accomplished Replacement Form (if required). And, (iv) a Declaration/Attestation.
The legal age to own a SIM card in India is 18 years. This age requirement is set by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to ensure that individuals are mature enough to handle the responsibilities that come with owning a SIM card.
In today’s digital age, owning multiple SIM cards has become a common practice. However, many individuals are unaware that having multiple SIM cards under their name can lead to significant legal and financial troubles. The Telecommunications Act has established strict regulations regarding the maximum number of SIM cards an individual can possess.
Violating these regulations can result in hefty penalties or even imprisonment. This article provides detailed information on these regulations and answers frequently asked questions.
The allowable number of SIM cards an individual can possess differs by region. Across the country, the limit is nine SIM cards per person. However, in certain regions such as Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, and the Northeast Licensed Service Areas (LSAs), the limit is reduced to six. These rules are designed to prevent fraudulent activities and improve the management of telecom resources.
Exceeding the prescribed limit can lead to severe consequences. A first-time violation can result in a fine of up to Rs 50,000. For any further infractions, the penalty can increase to Rs 2 lakh. While there are no specific fines or imprisonment provisions solely for exceeding the SIM card limit beyond disconnection of the excess numbers, the Telecommunications Act of 2023 imposes strict penalties for obtaining SIM cards through fraudulent means. These offences can result in imprisonment for up to three years, fines up to Rs 50 lakh, or both.
Telecom operators have the capability to monitor the number of SIM cards registered to a single individual. If someone is fraudulently using your name to obtain SIM cards, it is crucial to identify and report this misuse promptly.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) provides a portal to help individuals check the number of SIM cards registered under their name. Consistently checking this information can help safeguard actual user against potential fraud.
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Commencing teaching in his early twenties, Prof Aggarwal has diverse experience of great tenure in the top institutions not only as an educationist, administrator, editor, author but also promoting youth and its achievements through the nicest possible content framing. A revolutionary to the core, he is also keen to address the society around him for its betterment and growth on positive notes while imbibing the true team spirit the work force along with.
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