Egypt refers all four mobile operators to prosecution over SIM registration violations

Egypt's telecom regulator, the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA), has referred the nation's four major mobile operators to the public prosecutor. This action stems from allegations of unauthorized SIM registrations conducted without users' knowledge or consent. The NTRA announced these developments in a statement on Monday, following complaints from citizens who found mobile lines linked to their personal data without their authorization.

The regulator's move comes as part of a joint effort between the NTRA and the public prosecutor to tackle legal and regulatory breaches. Upon receiving the complaints, the authority promptly initiated an investigation, collecting evidence and documents to substantiate the claims. The NTRA emphasizes that the primary objective of this action is to safeguard the rights of telecom service users, protect their personal data, and ensure adherence to the established rules and procedures for SIM registration and activation.

Following discussions with the four mobile operators, the NTRA approved a set of regulatory measures to strengthen the SIM registration process. These measures include halting the sale and activation of new mobile lines through company systems for all entities, both private and governmental. The authority also instructed mobile operators to notify existing users, urging them to visit company branches to sign new contracts using their actual names.

Any line without a completed contract process within the stipulated time will be permanently deactivated.

Furthermore, the NTRA directed operators to expedite the implementation of biometric verification for mobile line holders via company applications in the near future. This move aims to enhance user identification security and empower individuals to address any lines registered in their names but not in their possession.

The NTRA stresses its unwavering commitment to upholding the rules governing mobile line sales, registration, and activation. It warns that companies failing to comply with the new regulations may face legal and administrative consequences, including suspension of new line sales and activation, and referral to the public prosecutor as per the law.

The regulator reiterates its continuous monitoring of the implementation of these new measures by mobile operators and reaffirms its dedication to ensuring compliance and protecting citizens' rights, personal data, and the integrity of SIM registration procedures.