Starting on September 1, a draft decision published on the official government portal lays out how SIM cards will be designed and issued in Russia. The main goal is to tighten controls at the moment of sale and to limit deals with individuals who carry a ban or flagged status in the system. Analysts say the measure is meant to curb fraud by tying identity checks more closely to the activation of a mobile line. Kommersant reports that officials see this step as a practical safeguard for citizens who rely on mobile services for daily tasks, banking, and communication. By linking SIM card issuance to verifiable status, the draft seeks to reduce the misuse of mobile numbers in scams, phishing attempts, and unauthorized access. The exact mechanics remain to be finalized, but the direction is clear: stronger verification should accompany every SIM card entering the market, especially as digital services expand and personal data move across networks. The proposed changes are presented as protective rather than punitive, with emphasis on giving ordinary users a more capable defense against fraud and identity theft. Observers caution that how the plan is implemented will matter, including how identity data is stored and how privacy concerns are addressed. In short, the plan described by Kommersant points to a tighter regime around who can obtain a SIM card and under what conditions, with the stated aim of reducing fraud while preserving legitimate access.
Officials from the regulatory agency indicate that operators must verify whether a subscriber has any self-imposed restrictions before issuing a SIM card. If a flag is detected, the operator should refuse service until the matter is resolved. The idea is to prevent the activation of SIMs that could be used in fraud operations. The agency also notes that citizens will have the option to opt out of targeted advertising data collection and the use of certain calling services that could be misused for deceptive purposes. The plan frames SIM card design as part of a broader anti-fraud framework rather than a simple provisioning step. By requiring checks, it aims to create a clearer picture of who is authorized to use a number and under what circumstances, reducing opportunities for impersonation and unauthorized transfers. Industry observers say the approach could encourage banks and telecoms to share more precise identity signals, increasing accountability in the sector. At the same time, privacy advocates urge careful handling of personal information and strong safeguards to prevent data leakage during the verification process. The draft emphasizes that operators must document refusals and provide clear reasons to the user, thereby ensuring due process and reducing confusion at the point of sale. Taken together, these provisions signal a shift toward greater responsibility for both providers and customers in the lifecycle of a SIM card.
Within the draft, lawmakers also discuss the labeling of internet calls and the creation of new anti-fraud platforms that would monitor traffic and flag suspicious activity. The plan also touches on the regulation of financial institutions and foreign entities involved in communications, seeking to reduce vulnerabilities tied to mobile identity. Officials stress that penalties will apply to violations and that the framework aims to bring greater transparency to how digital calls are routed and how numbers are used. Proponents argue that these guardrails will help consumers navigate a rapidly changing digital landscape, where scammers adapt quickly and traditional defenses lag. Critics worry about privacy and the potential for overreach, calling for enforceable safeguards and clear limits on data collection. The overall objective, according to the draft, is to create a consistent, verifiable baseline for mobile identity that can be audited and improved over time, with a focus on protecting users without crippling legitimate business and personal use.
Earlier this year in the United States, cybersecurity discussions centered on the fragility of digital infrastructure after notable hacks. Industry leaders like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg addressed concerns about cyber threats and the need for stronger protections in online communications and more robust identity checks. The exchange underscored how global trends in cybersecurity intersect with national policy choices about how mobile numbers are issued and safeguarded. Observers say that Russia’s proposed SIM card measures could interact with international efforts to tighten fraud prevention and protect consumers in both markets. In any case, the conversations emphasize the growing importance of identity verification, secure signaling, and responsible data handling as regulators push to raise the bar for how numbers are issued, activated, and used in an era of increasingly sophisticated fraud.