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If you are purchasing a new SIM card, simply submitting KYC documents will no longer suffice; biometric verification will also be required to authenticate the user's identity.

Acquiring a new SIM card will no longer be as simple as it used to be. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued new regulations regarding user identity verification. Biometric verification is now mandatory for new SIM connections, meaning that merely providing KYC documents at the time of purchase is insufficient. Under the new rules, the user's identity will also be verified biometrically, utilizing data such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans.

The impact of these rules extends beyond just the initial purchase of a SIM card; biometric verification protocols will also apply when updating user details, deactivating a SIM, or re-verifying identity. The government states that this system will help curb the issuance of SIM cards under fake names and prevent the misuse of false identities.

Why the Government Changed the Rules

Mobile numbers today serve purposes far beyond making calls or accessing the internet; they are integral to banking, UPI transactions, and various other digital services. Consequently, accurately identifying the individual to whom a mobile connection is registered has become crucial. These new regulations will strengthen the identity verification process at every stage—from purchasing a SIM to modifying user details and undergoing re-verification.

Limits on the Number of SIM Cards

Additionally, the Department of Telecommunications has set a cap on the number of mobile connections an individual can hold. Under the new rules, telecom companies are required to identify customers who possess more mobile connections than the prescribed limit. Reports indicate that a single individual can hold a maximum of nine mobile connections; however, this limit is set at six SIM cards for the Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, and North-East service areas. If a customer holds more connections than the permitted limit, they will be required to deactivate the excess numbers.