The National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) has referred Egypt’s four mobile network operators to the Public Prosecution for investigation over the registration of mobile lines using citizens’ personal data without their knowledge or possession, the regulator announced.
The referral follows the NTRA’s examination and inspection of user complaints over the past two days. The authority stated that this process led to the compilation of related evidence and documents, in continuous cooperation with the Public Prosecution regarding legal and regulatory violations.
Following meetings with the four mobile companies, the NTRA introduced a package of urgent regulatory measures aimed at tightening the mobile line registration system, verifying the identity of actual possessors, and preventing future recurrences.
These measures include the immediate suspension of the sale or activation of any new lines through the companies’ systems to both private sector and government entities and institutions.
The regulator has also obligated the mobile operators to send text messages to all existing lines registered on their systems. These messages will notify current possessors of the necessity to visit company branches to sign new contracts in the actual possessor’s name. The NTRA stated that failure to complete these contracting procedures within a specified deadline will result in the permanent cancellation of the line.
Furthermore, the NTRA directed the companies to expedite the provision of biometric verification mechanisms for line possessors via their electronic applications in the coming period. The authority noted this will allow for more secure user identity verification and enable citizens to take action regarding any line registered in their name that is not in their possession.
The NTRA affirmed it will not tolerate any violation of the regulatory rules and controls governing the sale, registration, and activation of mobile lines. It warned that failure by any company to comply with its regulations will result in legal and administrative measures, which could include suspending the sale and activation of new lines for the violating company and referring further incidents to the Public Prosecution.
The regulator stated that these actions are part of its commitment to protecting the rights of telecommunications service users, safeguarding their personal data, and confronting practices that violate approved procedures.
The NTRA stressed its close and continuous monitoring of the mobile companies’ implementation of the new measures, affirming that protecting citizens’ rights and data, alongside ensuring the integrity of registration procedures, remains a fundamental priority.
