Indian government to implement stricter SIM card rules from December 1: All you need to know

In a significant move to enhance consumer safety and combat cybercrime, the Indian government has implemented stricter regulations governing the issuance and usage of SIM cards, effective December 1, 2023. Originally slated to be implemented on October 1, 2023, the enforcement of these regulations was deferred by two months.

The new regulations aim to enhance the traceability of SIM card owners and curtail their potential misuse for illicit activities.

The primary objective behind these amendments is to fortify cybersecurity measures within the country, safeguarding the interests of the general populace. The new rules encompass various facets of SIM card issuance, addressing issues such as bulk issuance and the entities authorised to provide new SIMs.

Key changes under the new SIM card rules

Stricter customer verification

To bolster consumer security, demographic details must be mandatorily captured by scanning the Aadhaar card’s QR code when activating new SIM cards.
For existing numbers, users must submit Aadhaar details and undergo verification when procuring SIM cards.

Enhanced dealer regulations

SIM card dealers are now mandated to undergo verification and register all SIM cards they intend to sell.
Non-compliance with the new rules can result in penalties of up to Rs 10 lakh (approximately USD 12,000).

Restrictions on bulk SIM issuance

Individuals can only obtain SIM cards in bulk through business connections, preventing the misuse of large numbers of SIM cards for fraudulent activities.
For regular users, the maximum limit for SIM cards per ID remains at 9.

Deactivated SIM card reassignment

Upon deactivation, a SIM card number will not be reassigned to another user for 90 days, providing a grace period for the previous user to delete personal data associated with the number.

Vendor registration deadline

SIM-selling vendors must register by November 30, 2023, to avoid fines of up to Rs 10 lakh and potential imprisonment.

These comprehensive measures are expected to significantly reduce cybercrimes and safeguard consumer privacy in India’s digital landscape. The government’s proactive approach in implementing these stricter SIM card regulations demonstrates its commitment to protecting the safety and security of its citizens in the ever-evolving digital era