The measure, reportedly aimed at combating phone fraud, makes it challenging to predict how SIM card vendors and mobile operators will enforce the new restriction on the number of registered cards per individual.
Effective November 1st, individuals in Russia will be restricted to owning a maximum of 20 SIM cards. This initiative aims to combat fraud and the misuse of unregistered phone numbers. Citizens can check the number of SIM cards registered under their name via the «Gosuslugi» (State Services) portal. However, Roman Romachev, CEO of the intelligence technology agency «R-Techno,» questions the practicality of SIM card vendors and mobile operators enforcing this new regulation.
«It`s unclear what level of access SIM card vendors will have to the total number of registered cards across all operators. However, the very idea of limiting individuals to 20 SIM cards seems ill-conceived and rushed. Consider a large family with five children, where typically all SIM cards are registered under the parents` names. Add to that `smart home` devices or automated gate systems at a dacha, which often require dedicated SIM cards, and it becomes apparent that many people will be significantly inconvenienced. I myself, with three children, already have over 27 SIM cards for phones, tablets, home and dacha automation, and various smart home systems. I would have to find workarounds, perhaps asking relatives to register SIM cards under their names. Frankly, this initiative appears strange and merely simulates active problem-solving. In reality, it will not affect the number of fraudulent calls, as such issues cannot be resolved through prohibitions alone. Furthermore, granting SIM card vendors and operators access to customer data from other operators could lead to violations of personal data laws. For instance, if I am a Beeline customer but also have 5-10-7 SIM cards with MTS or MegaFon, how would Beeline or its manager gain access to my contracts with rival operators? This involves not just commercial secrets but also personal data, raising several legal concerns.»
Roman Romachev
General Director of «R-Techno» Intelligence Technology Agency
A recent survey revealed that only 2% of respondents possess more than 20 SIM cards, while 88% have fewer, and 10% are unaware of the exact number they own.
