Russia will block SIM cards over the limit: The new rules have been in effect since November

Starting from November of this year, telecom operators will have the right to block SIM cards exceeding the established limit of 20 numbers per person. The relevant regulations were adopted last year, and operators were required to verify the number of registered numbers by April 1, 2025. All the details are in the Izvestia article.

What new rules are being introduced for SIM cards?

According to the new rules, an individual can have no more than 20 subscriber numbers. Subscribers who violate this rule will have to terminate their excess contracts by November 1. The Department for Combating the Illegal use of Information and Communication Technologies (UBK) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia recommended checking the number of registered SIM cards through the Gosuslugi portal or in communication salons. The numbers registered on the old passport may not be displayed. In this case, you need to contact the operator to update the data.

At the same time, a ban on the transfer of SIM cards to unauthorized persons came into force on September 1. Lawyer Anastasia Yakovleva clarified that cards can only be transferred to close relatives, and a fine of up to 50 thousand rubles is provided for violation for citizens and up to 200 thousand rubles for legal entities. The exceptions are short-term transmission for a personal call and use by intelligence officers.

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How to protect against SIM card fraud

The Interior Ministry warned about a SIM swap attack scheme, when fraudsters receive a duplicate SIM card using forged documents. The Agency recommends that in case of a sudden loss of the communication signal, immediately contact the operator to verify the release of a duplicate. Anton Gorelkin, deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, told Izvestia that responsibility for violating the new rules for the sale of SIM cards could be introduced in the autumn session in order to complicate their registration with front persons.

In addition, the "My SIM cards" section has been launched at Gosuslugi, where you can see all the numbers registered with the user. In April, Gorelkin stressed that this service would become a key tool in combating fraud, since illegal SIM cards are often used to create fake accounts and call citizens.

What additional measures have been implemented and are planned?

Starting from April 14, 2025, operators are required to check whether customers have a self-lock before issuing a SIM card. If the subscriber has established such a ban, the operator will not only be unable to conclude a contract with him, but is also obliged to notify him of the restriction. The Ministry of Finance noted that these measures are aimed at protecting users from potential threats and fraud.

In addition, discussions are continuing on the introduction of special SIM cards for schoolchildren with free access to educational resources. Sergey Rybalchenko, Chairman of the Public Chamber Commission, explained to Izvestia that the system would be voluntary and aimed at streamlining educational activities. At the moment, the project is being worked out with regional educational institutions.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.