New SIM Card Rules: The rules for buying a new SIM card have changed from January 1, 2024. The Department of Telecommunications had given this information in August 2023. In view of the increasing incidents of cyber fraud, the government has made a new rule for purchasing SIM cards in bulk. Not only this, there is also a provision for a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh in this new rule. After the implementation of this new rule, cyber crimes committed through fake SIM cards can be curbed. Come, let us know about this new rule of buying SIM card…
eKYC mandatory
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had issued a notification last month i.e. in December 2023, in which it was said that the paper based KYC (Know Your Customer) rule is going to change from January 1, 2024. The Department of Telecommunications has come up with this new rule to curb cyber crimes. In paper based KYC, SIM card dealers used to get multiple SIM cards issued on a single document. These fake SIM cards were used for cyber crimes. Last year, the government had canceled more than 5 lakh such fake SIM cards.
Information about SIM card point of sale is mandatory
Under the rules applicable from today i.e. from January 1, 2024, telecom companies will have to provide information about the dealers selling SIM cards i.e. point of sale. If any issue related to SIM card comes up in future, the help of point of sale can be taken to settle the matter.
Dealer registration and verification mandatory
The Department of Telecommunications has asked telecom companies to register franchisees, distributors i.e. dealers and Point of Sale (PoS) agents. 12 months time has been given for this. If a dealer who is not registered sells SIM cards in bulk, a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh can be imposed.
Also read- Special feature of WhatsApp has come in Google Maps, you will be able to share real time location instantly.