The Tunisian Ministry of Communication Technologies, in collaboration with the National Telecommunications Authority (INT), has implemented new regulations requiring telecom operators to deactivate SIM cards that are either unidentified or have incomplete identification. The service will only be reactivated once the SIM is linked to a valid ID.
These regulations also mandate telecom operators to update their databases by correcting errors and filling in any missing information. Additionally, operators must verify the identity of each subscriber with an official identification document. Selling SIM cards in public places like streets and markets is now strictly prohibited, and users will be allowed to check the numbers associated with their ID across all telephone operators.
Nizar Ben Neji, Tunisia’s Minister of Communication Technologies, stated that these measures aim to safeguard telecom subscribers from cybercrimes and financial fraud. Despite existing legal frameworks, the country has seen an increase in such incidents, necessitating these stricter actions to enhance security.