In a bid to tackle the rising concerns of cybercrime and financial fraud, Tunisia’s Ministry of Communication Technologies and the National Telecommunications Authority (INT) have mandated telecom operators to deactivate all unidentified or incompletely identified SIM cards. These measures are part of a broader effort to regulate SIM card usage within the country, requiring activation to be linked explicitly to a valid ID.
Telecom operators are also tasked with updating their registries by correcting inaccuracies and filling in missing data. This includes verifying subscriber identities against official identity documents and ending the unregulated sale of SIM cards in public spaces such as streets and markets.
Additionally, a new provision will allow users to check the numbers registered under their identity across all telecom services, enhancing transparency and accountability.
This regulatory push reflects the government’s response to the significant growth in mobile and internet usage, which has inadvertently fueled the increase in digital crimes. Despite Tunisia’s population of approximately 12.3 million, there are an estimated 16 million mobile subscribers and 10 million mobile internet users, suggesting a high rate of multiple SIM card ownership and frequent changes in mobile numbers.
While the deadline for telecom operators to comply with these new regulations remains unspecified, the initiative mirrors efforts seen in other nations like Nigeria, where similar registration processes have proven to be extensive and challenging.
