The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in India has announced that new SIM card rules will be enforced as of December 1, 2023. The rules were originally supposed to be implemented on October 1, 2023 but were delayed for two months.
The new rules are designed to address various types of fraud, including the SIM swap scam and fake SIM cards. They are focused on the issuance of new SIM cards and aim to prevent online fraud.
One of the key changes is the mandatory requirement for e-KYC or digital KYC for obtaining new SIM cards or switching to a different SIM for an existing number. This means that providing a copy of your ID proof will no longer be sufficient to obtain a SIM card.
The rules also place restrictions on the issuance of bulk SIM cards, allowing only businesses to procure them in large quantities. Regular users will be limited to obtaining a maximum of nine SIM cards on a single ID.
Additionally, deactivated SIM cards cannot be re-issued for a period of 90 days, giving users time to reactivate them without worrying about the SIM being issued to someone else. Starting from December 1, 2023, only authorized dealers will be able to issue SIM cards to customers, and individuals engaging in the issuance of SIM cards without registration may face penalties of up to ₹10 lakh.
These new rules are expected to have a significant impact on the process of obtaining SIM cards in India. With the implementation date quickly approaching, individuals and businesses need to be aware of these changes to avoid any potential penalties.
Overall, the new SIM card rules are a proactive step towards improving security and preventing fraud in the telecommunications sector. Be sure to stay informed about these changes to ensure compliance.
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