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Now buying a new SIM card has become a little more difficult. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has issued an important directive to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), making Aadhaar-based biometric verification mandatory for all new SIM card connections. The move is aimed at curbing the growing misuse of purchasing SIM cards through fake documents, so as to curb fraud and other criminal activities.

Aadhaar verification is necessary for SIM card

Earlier, users could use any government identity card, such as voter ID or passport, to get a new mobile connection. But now under the new rules, biometric verification through Aadhaar will be mandatory for all new SIM card activations. Retailers will not be allowed to sell SIM cards without following this process.

Government's strictness on fake SIM cards

The decision was taken after a telecom sector meeting, which discussed the use of fake SIM cards in financial frauds. The investigation revealed instances where multiple SIM cards were linked to the same device, violating telecom rules and promoting cyber crimes.

The PMO has directed the Department of Telecommunications to use AI tools in collaboration with law enforcement agencies to identify and punish criminals. Now, retailers issuing SIM cards using fake documents will have to face strict action. This new order is an important step by the government to tackle cyber crime, which will ensure smooth SIM card issuance and tracking process across the country.