India Mandates Aadhaar Biometric Verification for New Mobile SIM Cards

India has implemented new requirements mandating Aadhaar-based biometric verification for all new mobile SIM card connections, as part of efforts to strengthen telecom security and reduce fraud. The directive, issued by the Prime Minister’s Office to the Department of Telecommunications, establishes Aadhaar as the primary form of identification required for SIM card activation.

Under the new verification process, biometric data collected during SIM card registration is immediately encrypted to prevent storage or reuse by mobile companies. This encryption protocol aligns with the stringent data protection standards established by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which manages the Aadhaar system. Retailers must strictly follow the Aadhaar-linked biometric process when issuing SIM cards or face penalties, including possible license revocation.

The government’s initiative follows high-level review meetings that identified fraudulent SIM cards as enablers of organized financial scams and cybercriminal activities. To enhance enforcement, authorities plan to deploy AI-driven analytics tools to detect irregular patterns in SIM card issuance and usage.

The system aims to maintain a centralized database of SIM card holders to facilitate fraud investigations. While the Telegraph Act of 1885 does not make Aadhaar mandatory for obtaining mobile SIM cards, the government encourages its use for enhanced security measures. This approach follows a pattern established after the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that limited mandatory Aadhaar usage while still permitting voluntary authentication for various services.

The verification system represents part of broader efforts to secure India’s digital infrastructure, particularly as mobile phones increasingly serve as primary tools for communication and financial transactions. This initiative complements other recent developments, including the implementation of biometric data locking features in the Aadhaar system and the expansion of digital KYC processes across various sectors.

Sources: Udaipur Kiran, My Aadhaar Services, KYC Hub

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January 15, 2025 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team