Mandatory Biometrics for Phone Owners: Who Will Be Affected by the New Rules?

Purchasing a new smartphone or swapping a SIM card in Kazakhstan may soon require a quick facial scan. The Ministry of Digital Development has drafted updated regulations for registering and verifying mobile devices, which are currently open for public review on the "Open NPA" portal.

The initiative aims to curb device theft, telecom fraud, and the influx of black-market electronics. Under the proposed measures, mandatory biometric authentication will apply to first-time device registrants and anyone transferring phone ownership. By cross-referencing user identities directly with official government databases, the system will effectively eliminate the practice of registering numbers or devices under stolen credentials.

Beyond identity checks, the government plans to trace the entire lifecycle of mobile electronics—from import or domestic production to repairs, resale, and ultimate decommissioning. Device IMEI numbers will automatically cross-check against the global GSMA database; any flagged units, duplicated codes, or blacklisted handsets will be promptly cut off from local cellular networks. The framework also simplifies the immediate remote disconnection of unauthorized phones detected inside correctional facilities.

These regulations stem from recent amendments to the national Law on Communications and remain open for public feedback through September 14, 2026.