Biometric Identity to be Mandatory for SIM Card Issue

New Delhi: In the future biometric identification will be compulsory for issuing SIM cards to consumers. The new version of the Telecommunications Bill 2023 tabled in Lok Sabha on Monday includes this provision for the telecommunication service providers.

“Any authorised entity which provides such telecommunication services as may be notified by the Central Government shall identify the person to whom it provides telecommunication services through use of any verifiable biometric-based identification as may be prescribed,” the proposed legislation said.

This bill has however kept over-the-top (OTT) services like e-commerce, online messaging, payments, etc. out of the definition of telecommunication services.

The Telecommunications Bill, 2023, aims at replacing the 138-year-old Indian Telegraph Act.

The Bill also proposes to curb the power of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). It allows senior private sector corporate executives to be tapped for the role of Trai chairperson.

The bill proposes multiple reforms in the telecom licensing and spectrum allocation regime, primarily to simplify operations in the burgeoning telecom sector.