PMO Orders Mandatory Biometric Aadhaar Verification for SIM Sales: Report

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has reportedly directed the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to enforce mandatory biometric Aadhaar verification for all new mobile connections across India. The move is aimed at preventing misuse of telecom resources and ensuring stricter compliance among SIM card sellers, according to a report by ET.

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AI and Digital Intelligence Platform

The directive, issued during a recent telecom sector review meeting, calls for stern action against vendors flouting the rules. The DoT, leveraging AI-based tools, is working with law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to identify and penalise offenders, according to the report.

“The DoT was told to ensure that no SIM card be issued without biometric Aadhaar verification and was also asked to closely collaborate with law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to penalise mobile fraudsters,” the report quoted a person familiar with the discussion.

Using AI-based Tools

“The DoT is working in close coordination with all national LEAs as well as those in the states. Digital intelligence generated through various AI-based tools are being shared with LEAs through the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP),” a senior telecom department official was quoted as saying.

The DIP, a secure system for real-time information sharing on telecom misuse, supports swift action against fraudulent mobile connections. Investigations revealed that multiple SIMs linked to single devices were being exploited for cybercrime and financial fraud.

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