Recently, the news that the Ministry of Digital Development, together with other government authorities, is actively discussing additional restrictive measures in the provision of communication services has taken the Internet by storm. Namely - the purchase of a SIM card with biometrics. Currently, this initiative is still at the discussion stage, as there is no prescribed mechanism yet. However, many competent citizens insist that changes have "ripened."
Let's try to understand in more detail.
SIM Cards with Biometrics: New Purchase Rules
As a way to combat the gray (shadow) market for selling SIM cards, government officials and representatives of the FSB propose (consider) the following measures:
- Mandatory biometrics submission when purchasing a SIM card;
- Sale of SIM cards only in communication salons, MFCs, and Russian Post offices;
- Purchase of SIM cards through the "Goskey" application with electronic signing of the contract.
SIM Cards with Biometrics for Russians: Consequences
Any restrictive measure can have both positive and negative consequences. Among the advantages of SIM cards with biometrics in Russia:
- Combating gray SIM cards (up to 70% of sales);
- Improving the information security of legal purchasers of cellular services;
- Combating crime by reducing the ability of criminal elements to use anonymous communication.
Among the negative consequences of buying a SIM card with biometrics today:
- Decrease in the number of dealers and reduced market supply;
- Decrease in SIM card sales;
- Potential queues;
- Complete de-anonymization of communication service users.
Let's examine the problem of the last point in more detail.
SIM Without Biometrics: Using the "GrizzlySMS" Service
Anonymous use of communication services has always been the key to personal information security. Using a SIM card with biometrics in Russia can negatively impact the confidentiality of user data, due to the shortcomings of modern information storage systems.
However, gray SIM cards cannot be a guarantee of reliable and secure communication either. For example, because dealers often pass off SIM cards to their buyers that have already been used to register accounts on popular services or to obtain bank cards. As a result, citizens cannot register on popular messengers and social networks, and may also suffer from calls from creditors of former owners of the purchased number.
There is only one reliable alternative that, on the one hand, ensures complete anonymity, and on the other, guarantees the ability to register on the chosen service. And this is a virtual phone number, with which you can get a working account on any platform. Reliable and inexpensive options can be found on the GrizzlySMS service website on very attractive terms:
- Price from a few rubles for one-time SMS reception;
- Guaranteed delivery of SMS with verification code;
- Complete anonymity;
- Wide selection of platforms for account registration;
- Availability of operators from almost all countries of the world;
- Convenient payment methods;
- Large discounts for bulk buyers.
With this service, you will always be able to access all social networks and messengers, even if SIM cards are sold with biometrics.
