The Information and Communications Technologies Authority will not have access to personal data of users of SIM cards being re-registered in Mauritius.
Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth said that the ICTA will merely act as a go-between for service providers, the Passport and Immigration Office and the Civil Status Office.
“It would be impossible to retrieve personal information at this level without any valid reason,” he said.
This is in line with regulations spurred by the report on drug use delivered by former judge Paul Lam Shang Leen.
“The reason for the development of these regulations is to enable traceability, reduce the risks of malicious practices, and reinforce the security of the telecommunications sector,” he said.
The Prime Minister also revealed the procedures for registration or re-registration, which must be completed within six months of 31 October.
Additional Info
Those affected include Mauritian citizens, non-citizens residing in Mauritius, businesses, and public institutions.
A public body, legal entity, company, diplomatic mission, or any other organization, as the owner of SIM cards, should register them on behalf of the end-user, i.e., their employees, as subscribers.
A parent or legal guardian must present their own national identity card and a photograph when registering their child’s SIM card.
There will be a separate numbering plan for SIM cards used by tourists and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) SIM cards.
A new numbering plan will apply to tourists to distinguish their SIM cards from those of citizens.
Those issued to foreigners will have a validity period equivalent to that of their visa.
They will, therefore, be automatically deactivated by providers upon their departure from Mauritius or the cancellation of their visa.
Subscribers can register in two ways: either in person by visiting one of their mobile service provider’s branches or online with mandatory documents to provide, such as their ID card or passport and proof of address.
They will also be required to take a color photo for online verification.
Non-citizens must also provide their Unique Identification Number of Residence and their Residence Permit or Occupation Permit.
As for tourists, they must provide personal details appearing on their passport or any other valid travel document.
In the event of the death of subscribers (citizens or non-citizens residing in Mauritius), the SIM card will be automatically deactivated within 15 days from the registration of the death by the competent authorities.
A subscriber will also be required to report the loss of their SIM card to the police within 48 hours.
Source: Defi Media
