Fingerprints may become compulsory to get SIM cards

SIM cards may get another layer of security checks soon. While talking about the fact that even the mandatory system of physical verification doesn’t prevent SIM cards from falling into the wrong hands, the Home ministry has asked the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) to look into the possibility of making fingerprints or any other biometric feature compulsory for subscribers.

Similar to how an Aadhaar card works, cellphone service providers may make it necessary for subscribers to give biometric evidence before being allowed to activate their mobile numbers. The Ministry has also suggested that DoT keep a central database of the biometric features of all subscribers handy and also link it into the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) so as to keep all the data in one place, “from a national security point of view”.

The Times of India reported that an official from the department has said that they will discuss additional security feature with all stakeholders, which will include telecom service providers. The talk will centre on coming up with an alternative system as the current system, i.e., physical verification has not been maintained in all cases owing to the fierce competition between retailers who look to sell as many SIM cards as possible.

The Home Ministry wants the DoT to make fingerprint verification compulsory for applicants

After the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, where it was found that Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists were using Indian SIM cards that were collected by their local contacts using forged documents, the security around SIM card issuing has been tightened with physical verification. Authorities fear that this might not be enough, though.

Last year, the DoT was seen making it compulsory for mobile service providers to physically verify the identity of an applicant before issuing a SIM card. State police officers across the country have, however, complained that retailers are not sticking to this system despite repeated warnings. This is simply because service providers don’t seem to levy strict action against retailers for this action.

An official, while talking about this, said, "The issue was discussed even during the chief ministers' conference on internal security here last month when it was pointed out that how SIM cards were being procured by terroristscriminals on the basis of forged documents in absence of retailers' and distributors' failure to adhere to the mandatory norms of physical verification."

Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar was earlier seen suggesting this system. The Delhi top cop was seen writing to the home ministry on May 15, which laid out the idea of introducing a system for collecting biometric details of applicants before issuing SIM cards.

Talking about a recent case where an authorised retailer was caught after selling 490 SIM cards on the basis of forged documents, the commissioner pointed out that there was no foolproof method of verification, which was caused by the illegal network of distributors and employees of service providers.

Citing the need for harsher punishments, the Delhi top cop has suggested that DoT and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) should impose heavy penalities and show stricter control. Currently, pre-activated SIM cards come with a Rs 50,000 penalty, as well as the mobile service being immediately discontinued.