In a bid to tackle the rising menace of cyber fraud, the Indian government has announced a series of comprehensive reforms aimed at curbing fraudulent activities related to mobile SIM cards. Communications and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed that the new directives, to be rolled out soon, will bring an end to bulk purchases of SIM cards and enforce stringent verification and biometric authentication procedures for mobile SIM card dealers.
Key Reforms Unveiled to Combat Cyber Fraud
Ban on Bulk SIM Card Purchases:
The new reforms will discontinue the practice of bulk buying SIM cards, which has been exploited by cybercriminals for fraudulent activities. Instead, a robust business connection provision will be introduced that requires thorough verification and registration for bonafide businesses to acquire connections.
Mandatory Verification of SIM Card Dealers:
The government will mandate verification and biometric authentication process for all new dealers of mobile SIM cards. This move aims to ensure that only legitimate and authorized individuals are involved in the distribution of SIM cards.
Stringent Penalties for Violations:
Any violation of the new rules by SIM card dealers will result in hefty fines of up to Rs 10 lakh. This measure is intended to deter any attempts to bypass the regulations and engage in fraudulent practices.
Enhanced KYC Process:
The Know Your Customer (KYC) process will be strengthened to prevent the misuse of printed Aadhaar details. Demographic information will be captured by scanning the QR code of the printed Aadhaar. Additionally, new measures such as facial-based biometric authentication will be permitted alongside thumb impressions and iris-based authentication.
Protection of User Data:
To protect end-user data, a SIM card that has been disconnected will not be allocated to a new customer for a period of 90 days. Moreover, a subscriber will need to undergo complete KYC for SIM replacement, and there will be a 24-hour bar on outgoing and incoming SMS facilities.
Government’s Commitment to Cyber Security
Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring the integrity of telecommunication networks and safeguarding citizens from cybercrimes. The reforms have already yielded positive results, with thousands of fraudulently obtained handsets being rendered inoperable and WhatsApp accounts linked to cyber fraud being blocked. The collaboration between the government and tech companies, as seen in the case of WhatsApp, has proved effective in tackling these issues.
The government’s stringent measures not only aim to curb cyber fraud but also foster a safer digital environment for citizens. With the new reforms set to be implemented across the country, the Department of Communications anticipates positive changes within 7 to 8 months, leading to a significant reduction in cyber fraud incidents.
