Biometric verification required for mobile device changes starting April 15

Under Circular No. 08/2026 issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology, starting from April 15, users who change their mobile devices must re-authenticate using facial biometric verification. Failure to comply within the required timeframe may result in service suspension or even two-way service disconnection.

According to the Circular, within a maximum of two hours after detecting that a subscriber is using a device different from the previously registered one, telecom providers must review and identify the change, temporarily suspend outgoing services (calls and messages), and notify the user to complete biometric re-authentication.

For regular mobile subscribers, users must complete the re-verification process within 30 days from the date outgoing services are suspended. If this deadline is missed, telecom providers will suspend both incoming and outgoing servicesand issue a notice of contract termination. If, after five additional days, the user still fails to comply, the contract will be liquidated and services permanently terminated.

The regulation aims to strengthen security, particularly in cases where SIM cards are lost or misplaced but not promptly blocked, making them vulnerable to misuse for illegal activities. Applying biometric authentication when changing devices is considered a necessary technical solution to address this loophole, while also helping to prevent the use of unregistered or improperly registered SIM cards.

From April 15, for new mobile subscriptions, telecom providers are required to verify user information through facial biometrics and cross-check it with the National Population Database and citizen identification database. Users can complete registration via the VNeID application, eliminating the need for video calls at service points as previously required.

The Circular also allows users to check all mobile numbers registered under their name across networks via VNeID, enabling them to confirm active numbers and identify any unauthorized ones. Unverified numbers will be handled by telecom providers in accordance with regulations to ensure legal compliance.

For subscribers already registered using chip-based citizen ID cards or VNeID Level 2 accounts, re-authentication is not required unless the device is changed from June 15 onward.

Subscriber verification includes four key data fields: personal identification number; full name; date of birth; and facial biometric image. Users can complete the verification via the VNeID app, telecom service provider applications, or directly at authorized service points.

Hai Phong News