New rules for selling mobile phone SIM cards: citizens to be able to purchase them only with identity card

Citizens will be able to purchase mobile phone SIM cards only by presenting their identity card. The new rule is set out in a draft law approved today by the Cabinet.

Minister of Internal Affairs Daniella Misail-Nichitin said that the initiative is being proposed given that in recent years crimes that directly affect citizens have increasingly moved into the digital space and the area of anonymous communications, these platforms becoming tools used for fraud, scams, false calls and other actions that directly affect citizens’ safety. According to the official, today a prepaid card can be activated without identity confirmation, and this anonymity is used in illegal activities and makes it more difficult to identify the perpetrators.


“In recent years, crimes that directly affect citizens have increasingly moved into the digital space and the area of anonymous communications, these platforms becoming tools used for fraud, scams, false calls and other actions that directly affect citizens’ safety. This reality directly affects people. Particularly targeted are elderly persons, citizens in vulnerable situations, families put under pressure through false scenarios, and well-intentioned people who end up transferring money to criminals. At the same time, these phenomena mobilize important state resources that should be directed towards real interventions and the protection of people. Today, a prepaid card can be activated without identity confirmation, and this anonymity is used in illegal activities and makes it more difficult to identify the perpetrators. The state has an obligation to protect citizens through legal, proportional and secure tools for personal data. Therefore, the proposed solution is a balanced one. User identification will take place at the time of activating the prepaid SIM or eSIM card,” said Daniella Misail-Nichitin at the Government meeting.


The official stressed that the measure does not provide access to the content of calls, messages, traffic data or the location of persons, but only establishes the obligation to confirm the identity of the person activating a new number.


“Personal data will be collected in a limited way and through secure mechanisms, without copying documents in non-specialized points, and verification will be carried out in a controlled manner, including digitally, in compliance with personal data protection. Implementation will be gradual and predictable, with operators having time to adapt their technical systems. Essentially, the project aims at people’s safety, digital responsibility and reducing the anonymity used for criminal purposes,” said Daniella Misail-Nichitin.


The draft law is to be submitted to Parliament for examination and approval.