Biometric SIM Registration Expected to Enhance Mobile Service Security
A telecommunications expert has stated that implementing biometric-based SIM card registration rules supported by facial recognition technology can enhance the security of mobile operator services.
“The benefit of this policy is that it can help operators obtain a cleaner and more accurate customer database, thereby improving service quality and security,” said Heru Sutadi when contacted by ANTARA in Jakarta on Wednesday.
In the long term, he said, the implementation of biometric-based mobile SIM card registration rules could also increase customer trust in mobile operators.
The Executive Director of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Institute said that the future competitiveness of the telecommunications industry will be determined not only by the number of subscribers, but also by the quality and security offered to service users.
The implementation of a biometric data-based SIM card registration system with facial recognition technology support can encourage mobile operators to continuously improve their technological support and data security governance.
However, Heru cautioned that implementing a biometric-based SIM card registration system requires substantial investment from mobile operators.
“Implementing biometrics requires significant investment, ranging from devices, system integration, to data protection,” he said.
He also highlighted the need for uniform standards for all telecommunications operators in implementing the SIM card registration system.
Additionally, he said, the government needs to provide support so that the implementation of the system can run effectively without disrupting the telecommunications business sector.
The implementation of the new rule is aimed at protecting the public from the misuse of mobile phone numbers and digital crimes such as online fraud, spam calls, and phishing.
The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi) has stated that preparations for implementing the biometric-based SIM card registration system have entered the final stage.
Director General of Digital Ecosystem at Kemkomdigi, Edwin Hidayat Abdullah, said the implementation of the rule will initially focus on new number registrations.
According to him, the government needs to evaluate infrastructure readiness and system reliability before deciding whether a similar mechanism will also be applied to existing telecommunications service subscribers.