Erbil: The head of the Executive Authority of the Media and Communications Commission, Baligh Abu Kalal, has announced a temporary suspension of mobile phone SIM card sales through agents and points of sale in the Kurdistan Region governorates. Sales will now be restricted to the main centers of licensed companies until regulatory procedures for electronic authentication and security verification mechanisms are completed.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the decision follows the Commission’s monitoring of complaints regarding SIM cards being registered in citizens’ names without their knowledge or consent. This unauthorized registration poses potential legal, financial, and social harm to subscribers’ rights.

Abu Kalal emphasized that the measure is not intended to limit citizens’ access to mobile services but is aimed at ensuring SIM card sales and registrations adhere to approved legal and technical regulations. This move is expected to prevent forgery, identity theft, and misuse of SIM cards.

He also noted that the Authority is actively coordinating with licensed companies, security agencies, and relevant authorities to implement the electronic authentication system. This step will reorganize sales operations to meet high security and reliability standards.

Citizens are advised not to permit any entity to register SIM cards in their names outside official channels and to report any suspected misuse of their personal data. Abu Kalal reiterated the Authority’s dedication to enforcing the law and enhancing the security of the telecommunications sector.