What are the new rules regarding SIM card ownership under the Telecommunications Act 2023?

Under the new rules, individuals are limited to owning a maximum of nine SIM cards. For residents of Jammu, Kashmir, and the Northeast, the limit is six SIM cards. Violating this rule can result in heavy fines, with the first offence punishable by a fine of Rs. 50,000 and subsequent violations by Rs. 2 lakh.

How will these SIM card limits help prevent fraud?

The SIM card limits aim to reduce incidents of SIM card fraud and SIM swaps, which are often used by fraudsters to gain unauthorised access to bank accounts and personal information. By limiting the number of SIMs per individual, the government hopes to reduce the risk of fraud.

How does the Telecommunications Act 2023 regulate commercial messages?

The Act imposes strict regulations on commercial messages, requiring telecom operators to obtain user consent before sending promotional messages. Violations can result in fines of up to Rs. 2 lakh and potential suspension of services. Telecom companies must also provide an online mechanism for users to file complaints.

Are WhatsApp and Telegram included under the new telecom rules?

No, WhatsApp, Telegram, and similar OTT (Over-The-Top) players or apps are excluded from the definition of telecom services under the new rules. However, the government retains the right to take over telecom services for national security reasons.

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Multiple SIM Users, Beware! The Government Is Coming After You With The New Telecom Act Of 2023

Samridhi

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Updated: 28-01-2025 at 6:24 AM

Multiple SIM Users, Beware! The Government Is Coming After You With The New Telecom Act Of 2023

India is a country where SIM card fraud is increasing day by day. Sim card fraud is a form of fraud where hackers gain access to bank accounts and other details through a SIM card. There is another method called sim swap that led to crores of losses for citizens.

While there are so many reasons behind these frauds, owning so many SIM cards without any limit is one of the biggest reasons. Now, to protect innocent people, the government has come up with a new set of rules under telecommunications in 2023. With a focus on SIM card limits, this approach will significantly modify India’s telecom laws.

Telecommunications Act Of 2023

The Telecommunications Act 2023 came into force on June 26. It replaces the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885 and the Indian Wireless Telegraph Act of 1933. This new law reflects the significant advances in the telecom sector and aims to change the regulatory environment to meet today’s challenges. Only 39 of the 62 sections of the law are currently in effect. These sections cover important issues of law, public safety, national security, safety of telecommunication networks, innovation and technology development, etc.

Regulation On SIM Cards

This new rule will have a huge impact. No one can have more than nine SIMs to their name. Residents of Jammu, Kashmir and the Northeast can get only six SIMs. Violation of this rule can lead to heavy fines.

The first offence is punishable by a fine of Rs. 50,000. If more than nine SIM cards are found for the second time, the fine is Rs. 2 lakh. With this new law, spam calls and SMS will be stopped. The law also aims to protect consumers from junk messages.

Ban On Commercial Messages Without User Approval

Operators may face fines up to Rs 2 lakh and service suspension if they send commercial messages without the user's consent.

Telecom companies have to get users' approval before sending any kind of promotional message.

Apart from this, telecom companies have to create an online mechanism to listen to the complaints of users so that users can file their complaints online.

WhatsApp And Telegram Are Out Of Telecom Rules

The removal of OTT players or apps from the definition of telecom service is a significant change. WhatsApp and Telegram will stay out of telecom rules.

At the same time, if it is absolutely necessary, the government will now have the right to allow telecom companies to install mobile towers or lay cables on private property even without the consent of the landowner. Although this will not change the ownership status of the property,

The Government Can Monitor Your Calls And Messages

In emergencies or national security threats, the government can suspend the network and intercept your messages.

The government will be able to take over any telecom service, network, or management for reasons of war or national security, or suspend it whenever and for however long it wants.

Nevertheless, if someone's message is considered a threat to national security, their calls and messages can also be monitored and blocked.

Conclusion

This new rule helps control SIM card fraud and brings more transparency. This Act will update outdated laws and introduce new regulations to help create an Indian telecom framework that is forward-thinking and robust.

For registering a complaint against financial fraud or other forms of cyber crime, you can fill the form here via the official Cyber Crime portal.

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