Kazakhstan May Prohibit Giving SIM Cards and Smartphones to Strangers

New restrictions are planned to prevent Kazakhstanis from transferring their mobile numbers and devices to third parties, though these rules will not apply to close relatives.

A corresponding amendment has been included in a draft law concerning changes to legislative acts on the development of the telecommunications market and data processing centers. According to the document, the transfer of a subscriber number and a mobile communication device to third parties will be prohibited in the country, with an explicit exception for family members.

"Biometric identification norms are being aligned with the Digital Code. Furthermore, the procedure for registering mobile devices through verification is being improved. This will help reduce the use of 'grey' and illegally imported devices in the country, as well as lower the risks of fraudulent schemes involving IMEI code manipulation," noted Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Development and Artificial Intelligence.

The initiative aims to enhance digital security and combat the growing number of fraudulent activities linked to unauthorized device transfers.