Fraud protection: Six months to register your sim cards

Features
  • shutterstock.com
Published on 2023-10-19 at 08:12 by Lila Chaleon*
In Mauritius, SIM card holders are required to re-register their SIM cards with their respective operators within a six-month period. Beginning on October 31, 2023, the Information and Communication Technologies (Registration of SIM) Regulations 2023 will be enforced. These regulations, initiated as a result of recommendations from the Commission of Enquiry on Drugs, aim to ensure that every SIM card is registered in the name of its user, safeguarding against fraud and identity theft.

Mauritian SIM card holders have until April 30, 2024, to comply with these regulations. After this deadline, any SIM cards that remain unregistered will be automatically deactivated.

The implementation of these regulations will be a collaborative effort involving the Information and Communication Technology Authority (ICTA) and the island's major mobile operators, including my.t, Emtel, and Chili. Subscribers will have the option to re-register online through the operators' websites or applications or in-person for those without online access.

It's important to note that, in accordance with the Data Protection Act, all data stored by my.t, Emtel, and Chili will remain secure and their responsibility. The operators will inform subscribers of the re-registration procedures, ensuring the confidentiality and security of user information.

This initiative is designed to enhance security and transparency in the use of SIM cards in Mauritius while ensuring that subscribers continue to enjoy reliable and secure mobile telephony services. SIM card holders are encouraged to follow the guidelines provided by their operators to meet the April 30, 2024 deadline for re-registering their SIM cards.