Strict SIM Rules: The year 2025 is going to bring many changes to the telecom world. Especially, new rules will be applicable to users who use more than one SIM card.
The central government has prepared a list of some special SIM card users on the use of SIM cards. It has advised telecom companies not to issue new SIM cards to them under any circumstances.
The central government is taking strict action against the increasing spam calls and frauds on mobile. It will implement new rules to control cyber frauds. As part of this, the center has made several changes in the telecom rules. On this occasion, it has created a banned list in whose name SIM cards should not be issued.
It has introduced strict measures against people who engage in fraudulent activities, especially with SIM cards. According to the new rules, violating SIM card users will be blacklisted. Thus, SIM cards will be banned for up to three years.
To protect crores of mobile users, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has initiated measures to prevent cybercrimes linked to SIM card misuse. As part of this initiative, it has created this blacklist targeting people who engage in fraudulent activities like obtaining SIMs in other people’s names or sending fake SMSes.
These measures are in line with recent TRAI guidelines to curb fake calls and SMS scams. Lakhs of mobile numbers across the country are likely to be disconnected. The government has recently made eKYC verification mandatory. Without it, SIM cards will not be issued.
The government has introduced this policy to prevent cyber fraud and misuse of SIM cards. In fact, through this policy, the government hopes to stop people from purchasing SIM cards in someone else’s name and misusing that number.
Strict penalties for fraudulent SIM card users:
Blacklisting of offenders: Those found guilty of cyber fraud with SIM cards will be blacklisted.
Ban on SIM issuance: No new SIM connections will be issued to names on the blacklist for a period of 6 months to 3 years.
Penaltable offences: Using SIM cards issued in someone else’s name or sending fraudulent messages will be considered a crime.
SIM card rules to change in 2025:
From 2025, data will be shared with all telecom operators to prevent blacklisted users from getting new connections. To implement this, the government is creating a centralized repository of such people.
Strict action if caught:
The SIM of users who are on the Telecommunications Department’s blacklist will be blocked first. Moreover, a new SIM card will not be issued in the name of that person for 6 to 3 years. Before taking action, the government will also send a notice to such people. They will have to respond to this within 7 days. However, the Telecommunications Department has also clearly stated that action will be taken without sending any notices in cases related to public interest.
Cybersecurity regulations to be strengthened:
The revised rules notified in November 2024 will implement several new regulations to strengthen cybersecurity measures. These measures are aimed at curbing SIM-based fraud and increasing public trust in telecom services.
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