SIM Card Issuance Rules Effective December 1, 2023
The Indian government has introduced new rules for issuing SIM cards, emphasizing consumer safety. Originally scheduled for implementation on October 1, 2023, the enforcement was postponed by two months. The revised regulations aim to bring about a positive impact on cybercrime prevention within the country, prioritizing the well-being of the general public. These rules specifically address bulk issuing of SIM cards, criteria for issuers, and more. Let’s delve into the key aspects of the new SIM card rules.
New SIM Card Rules: Key Highlights
The updated rules highlight the need for enhanced customer information collection during the purchase of a SIM card. This measure is designed to facilitate authorities in tracking individuals associated with specific SIM cards, if required.
For the purchase of SIM cards for existing numbers, customers will be required to submit Aadhaar and demographic data. Additionally, the person facilitating the SIM card purchase must undergo a verification process. The government mandates that SIM dealers undergo verification and register the SIM cards they intend to sell. Failure to comply with these rules can result in penalties, with the government authorized to impose fines up to Rs 10,00,000 or Rs 10 lakh.
The rules also address the bulk issuance of SIM cards. Individual customers can acquire SIM cards in bulk only through a business connection. For regular users, the maximum limit for SIM cards remains at 9 per ID. When a user opts to deactivate their SIM, it will not be reallocated to another user for the subsequent 90 days. During this period, users have the option to delete all data associated with the number. Additionally, SIM-selling vendors failing to register by November 30 may face fines of up to Rs 10 lakh, with potential imprisonment consequences.
