Iraq’s telecoms regulator has approved rules that limit each citizen to seven regular SIM cards and seven data SIM cards, and require phone companies to check subscribers’ identities electronically.
Baligh Abu Kalal, head of the executive body of the Communications and Media Commission (CMC), announced the rules on Thursday. The commission’s board approved them in decision No. 116 on September 29.
Under the new system, companies must read data from the chip and machine-readable zone of national ID cards and passports. They must also take a live photo of each subscriber’s face and match it against official records.
Abu Kalal said the aim was to stop SIM cards being registered with false details and to protect users from fraud and identity theft.
Companies must store subscriber data in secured databases inside Baghdad. They will be legally responsible for any breach or leak of data under their control.
Companies that break the rules face fines of up to 3 million dinars for each SIM card that violates them, Abu Kalal said. The rules also cover cards for visitors and foreign residents, transfers of number ownership and updates to subscriber details.
The rules take effect after 90 days. Companies will have 720 days to re-register existing subscribers under the new system.
The rules come as the CMC moves to suspend Korek Telecom, the Erbil-based operator, in a dispute over its license and debts. The commission has set November 1 as the final deadline for Korek users to move their accounts to Asiacell or Zain, Iraq’s two other licensed mobile operators.
