All telecom service providers have to implement the biometric Identity verification system for Sim card issuance through their authorised channels
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The government has made mandatory biometric verification for new mobile Sim card purchase, updating user details, disconnection or even re-verification under the Telecommunication Act, 2023.These rules may be called the Telecommunications (User Identification) Rules, 2026, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) said through a gazette notification dated August 21, 2026.“These rules shall apply to verifiable biometric-based identification of users of notified services by any authorised entity,” the notification said.The development comes after the DoT notification dated September, 2025, wherein it invited objections and suggestions from all persons likely to be affected.The mandatory Aadhaar-linked biometric verification was proposed for digital/ electronic-know your customer (D-KYC or e-KYC) in a major move to tackle rising digital arrest scams and online fraud across the country.Therefore, all telecom service providers (TSPs) have to implement the biometric Identity verification system (BIVS) for Sim card issuance through their authorised channels.The notification mentioned that every authorised entity should explain to each of its users, in a clear and explicit manner to provide correct information for establishing his/ her identity at the time of biometric-based identification under these rules; and ensure compliance with the Act and not provide false, incorrect, or forged information or documents, or suppress any material information, or impersonate, while establishing his/ her identity.Also, not resell or transfer or lease his/ her telecommunication service connection or subscriber identity module to any other user. In case of any violation of these rules, or furnishing of any false particulars, the user can be penalised under the Telecom Act.“Every authorised entity that undertakes biometric-based identification of a user under these rules, shall send to him an alert specifying, among other relevant details, the telecommunication service connection concerned or the subscriber identity module therefor, through each of his existing telecommunication service connections or subscriber identity modules therefor, seeking confirmation from him that he is the user who had made the request in respect of such connection or module,” it noted.And, if the response of the user to the alert is in the negative, the authorised entity should forthwith and till it has ascertained relevant facts and taken appropriate action for closure, it said, adding that the telecom service connection should be suspended till the biometric details are matched and verified.“Every authorised entity shall, within a period of three months from the date of coming into force of these rules, take appropriate technical and organisational measures, and establish necessary infrastructure for effective observance of these rules,” the notification said.It also added that the government can extend the said period for a further period not exceeding three months, in case it finds the preparedness of the authorised entities for implementation of such measures were not ready yet, in the interest of the public.Published on August 22, 2026
