New Passport Verification Measures for Mobile Refill and SIM Purchases
The Ministry of Digital Development has proposed amendments to the Law on Communications. If these changes pass, Russian citizens may be required to show their passport when topping up a mobile balance with cash. A quotation from a source close to the government was reported by Vedomosti.
Additionally, obtaining a SIM card would require passport data verification through the Ministry of Internal Affairs database before a purchase can proceed.
The changes are expected to receive final approval by August 4. It is stated that violations of the new rules could incur fines of up to ten thousand rubles.
Tele2 indicated to the publication that the country’s largest telecom operators have already stopped selling SIMs without passport checks. Many companies back the stricter rules, arguing that stronger verification helps reduce fraud and protect customers from scams.
Earlier in July, the State Duma approved a first-reading bill aimed at tightening control over the sale of so‑called gray SIM cards. The draft law would introduce new requirements for selling SIM cards to both foreign and Russian residents, ban anonymous cash payments for phone numbers, and impose other measures. The law would also impact instant messaging services and public Telegram channels. More details were reported by socialbites.ca.
There were prior reports that telephone scammers had begun calling Russian citizens pretending to be public services.
In the context of international markets, these developments illustrate a broader trend toward stronger verification in telecom services across many regions. For consumers in Canada and the United States, the evolving landscape emphasizes the importance of safeguarding personal data during purchases and the ongoing debate over how identity checks should be implemented while maintaining user convenience and privacy.
As the debate continues, experts note that clear rules and consistent enforcement can help reduce fraud without creating unnecessary barriers to legitimate customers. For residents who rely on mobile services for everyday communication and access to essential services, understanding the potential changes now can prepare them for smoother transitions once the laws take effect. The conversation underscores a global shift toward stronger identity verification in digital transactions, an issue that touches safety, consumer rights, and the economics of mobile connectivity. Source: socialbites.ca
Citation: socialbites.ca