Government Implements Strict Regulations on SIM Card Vendors, Bulk Connections Prohibited
The Government of India has announced measures to tackle fraudulent activities involving multiple SIM cards by implementing stricter regulations on the provision of bulk mobile connections. According to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, SIM card dealers will now be required to undergo mandatory police verification before being authorized to engage in such transactions.
Bulk connection hacking, SIM card shops
The minister said the government has disconnected nearly 52,000 million mobile phones in an effort to reduce scams and fraud. By using multiple SIM cards, criminals can even use multiple WhatsApp accounts to carry out their illegal activities. As such, WhatsApp has blocked more than 66,000 accounts that were involved in the same. The government announced that 8000 crore payment wallet accounts were used for fraudulent transactions.
In addition, up to 67,000 SIM card sellers have been blacklisted. This move comes after reports that nearly 300 FIRs have been filed against SIM card retailers since May 2023. There are currently around 10,000 sellers of SIM cards in the country. In the future, they will be given sufficient time to complete the police verification process.
“Now we have made police inspection of SIM dealers mandatory to prevent fraud. Fines of ₹ 10 lakh will be imposed on sellers who violate the norms,” Vaishnaw said.
As part of this crackdown, 17,000 devices that have been reported lost or stolen have also been blacklisted. The government has used its Sanchar Sathi portal and returned 3000 lost or stolen phones to their original owners.
The Finnish Telecommunications Authority has also stopped granting mass connections. “After a detailed study, analysis of bulk connections and field surveys, it has been decided that we will end the bulk connection system,” the minister added. Instead, the government introduces a new concept of business connection, which requires registration with the authorities through KYC.
With these measures, the number of cybercrimes and frauds will be significantly reduced, Vaishnaw said.
