China Starts New Identity Check Measures for SIM Card Buyers

(Bloomberg) -- Guidelines that require Chinese telecom carriers to use facial recognition technology on buyers of SIM cards kicked in on Sunday as the country cracks down on fraud.

Companies should use artificial intelligence or other measures on buyers to ensure they match the identification provided to purchase the SIM cards, according to a notice issued in September by the Ministry of Industry and Information. Telcos must also ensure that the SIM cards aren’t resold, and that they are bought from legitimate businesses.

The measures are aimed at safeguarding citizens from scammers, and as part of anti-terrorism and cybersecurity efforts, the ministry said.

To contact Bloomberg News staff for this story: Jessica Sui in Beijing at jsui3@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Shamim Adam at sadam2@bloomberg.net, Sara Marley

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