New Rule: Government cracks down hard on fake SIMs; biometric verification mandatory starting today..

The rules for acquiring, replacing, transferring, or deactivating mobile SIM cards have become stricter. The government has implemented a new system to curb the use of fake SIMs and prevent cyber fraud, with the new regulations coming into effect today. Biometric authentication—such as fingerprint scanning or facial recognition—will now be mandatory for various SIM-related procedures.
Strict action will also be taken against those using forged documents. If documents are found to be fake during verification, the telecom company will inform the police, potentially leading to the filing of an FIR.

**Limit of 9 SIMs per person**
A key aspect of the new rules concerns the number of SIM cards allowed. An individual can now hold a maximum of nine SIM cards in their name. This limit applies across all telecom companies combined; even if you hold SIMs from different providers, the total count cannot exceed nine.

However, the limit is lower for Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, and the Northeastern states, where an individual can hold a maximum of six SIM cards.
No additional SIMs will be issued beyond this limit. If you currently hold more SIMs than allowed, it is advisable to have the excess ones deactivated.

**Biometrics mandatory for new SIMs**
Acquiring a new SIM card will now involve a more secure and rigorous verification process. Biometric verification of the customer's identity will be conducted. Customers linked to Aadhaar can avail of the e-KYC facility, while the d-KYC process will apply in certain cases.

A live photograph of the customer will be taken at the time of SIM acquisition, and documents will be verified electronically. This helps determine whether the applicant is the genuine individual or is attempting to use someone else's identity.

**FIR for fake documents**
The situation could become serious if forged documents are detected or another person's identity is misused during the SIM acquisition process.
In such instances, the telecom company will notify the police or the relevant law enforcement agency, potentially leading to the registration of an FIR. Therefore, always carry genuine and valid documents when applying for a SIM card.

**Verification Required for SIM Swaps and Ownership Transfers**
The new rules are not limited to purchasing a new SIM card. Identity verification is mandatory if you are swapping your SIM or transferring the number to another person's name. Biometric verification may also be required when updating details such as name, gender, or date of birth.

If a mobile number is to be transferred from one person to another, biometric verification will be conducted for both the existing and the new user. Additionally, written consent from the existing user will be required.

**Rules for Transferring a Number After a Person's Death**
If the original owner of the SIM card has passed away and the number needs to be transferred to another person, a death certificate must be submitted. Biometric verification of the new user will also be conducted. Consequently, transferring a number to another person will no longer be as simple as it used to be.

**Verification Mandatory When Switching Service Providers**
If you switch mobile service providers, you must comply with identity-related regulations. Failure to complete the necessary verification could result in the suspension of the connection. This means that customers must provide the required identity documents and complete verification procedures when porting their mobile number or switching companies.

**Identity Verification Required for Deactivating a SIM**
Identity verification will now be required to deactivate a SIM card as well. When a customer requests to deactivate their number, their identity may be cross-checked against biometric records.

If the verification process reveals the use of incorrect documents, fraudulent information, or another person's identity, the telecom company may report the matter to the police or the relevant agency. This could lead to the filing of an FIR.

**Official Portal for Digital Activation**
The government has designated the 'Telecom e-Services Portal' as the official portal for digital activation. Telecom companies have been granted a three-month period to implement this new system; this deadline may be extended if necessary.

**Rules Not Limited to Mobile SIMs**
These new regulations are not restricted to mobile SIM cards alone; their scope extends to landline, wireless, and internet telephony services as well. The Central Government has implemented the Telecommunication Subscriber Identity Rules 2026 to curb the use of fake identities and connections obtained through fraudulent means.

Curbing Fake SIMs and Cyber ​​Fraud

The government's primary objective is to prevent the acquisition of SIM cards using fake identities. Previously, there were many instances where individuals operated connections registered in others' names or obtained a large number of SIM cards under a single person's name.
Efforts are now being made to curb such practices through biometric verification and the scrutiny of electronic documents.

Why did the government change these rules?
The government states that such a stringent system will help safeguard people's identities and reduce cybercrime. Telecom companies will also now be required to strictly adhere to regulations regarding the verification of customer identities and documents.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.