Kazakhstan is implementing mandatory biometric identification for all new mobile phone subscribers as part of broader efforts to combat telephone and internet fraud, the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development has announced.
The ministry noted that the country already enforces several measures to address SIM card misuse, including efforts to prevent fraud, illegal SIM registration, and the use of devices for mass calls and bulk messaging. From the start of 2026, these safeguards will be tightened further.
Under the new regulations, SIM cards will only be issued after biometric identification is completed. Communication services will not be activated until the subscriber’s identity is verified through facial scanning. The policy applies to both individuals and legal entities.
“For businesses and organizations, this requirement also applies to employees issued SIM cards for work-related purposes. Biometric identification eliminates anonymous number usage and increases accountability,” the ministry stated.
Authorities expect the measure to curb illegal SIM sales via dealers and intermediaries. Regardless of where a number is purchased, service activation will only occur once the end user’s identity is confirmed.
Additionally, a cap has been introduced on the number of SIM cards that can be registered to a single individual: up to ten for personal and family use. Exceeding this limit requires documented justification and identification of the devices in which the extra SIMs will be used.
“This approach reduces the risk of mass SIM registration, a hallmark of fraudulent operations,” the ministry added.
A key component of the new anti-fraud framework is the expansion of collaboration between mobile operators and the Anti-Fraud Center of the National Bank of Kazakhstan. This cooperation is intended to ensure the swift identification and deactivation of numbers linked to criminal activity.
“In the case of suspicious calls or SMS messages, including those made using SIM boxes, telecom operators will relay subscriber information to the National Bank’s Anti-Fraud Center and launch an investigation. If fraud is confirmed, the number will be blocked immediately and telecom services suspended,” the ministry explained.
As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan also intends to introduce joint liability for banks and mobile operators in cases of internet fraud perpetrated through their infrastructure.
