Egypt refers 4 mobile operators to Public Prosecution over misuse of citizens’ personal data

 

The NTRA said the referral followed complaints from users who discovered that mobile phone numbers had been registered using their personal data without their knowledge or consent.

 

As part of its ongoing cooperation with the Public Prosecution in addressing legal and regulatory violations, the NTRA said it had referred the four operators to prosecutors for investigation.

 

The move follows the NTRA’s examination and inspection of complaints received over the past two days, as well as the collection of relevant evidence and documents and the completion of the necessary legal procedures.

 

The NTRA said the action reflects its commitment to protecting telecommunications users’ rights and personal data and addressing practices that violate regulations governing the registration and activation of mobile phone numbers.

 

New measures to strengthen mobile registration System

 

In a related development, following meetings with the four mobile network operators, the NTRA approved a package of urgent regulatory measures aimed at strengthening the mobile phone registration system, verifying the identities of actual line owners, and preventing similar incidents from recurring.

 

The measures include halting the sale or activation of new mobile numbers through the operators’ systems to entities and institutions, whether in the private or public sector.

 

The NTRA also instructed mobile operators to send text messages to all existing subscribers whose numbers are registered in their systems, notifying them of the need to visit mobile network branches to sign new contracts in the names of the actual owners of the numbers. Numbers will be permanently deactivated if the required contracting procedures are not completed within the specified timeframe.

 

The NTRA further directed the operators to expedite the rollout of biometric verification mechanisms for mobile phone numbers through their mobile applications. The system will provide a more secure means of verifying users’ identities and allow citizens to take the necessary action regarding any mobile line registered in their names but not in their possession.

 

The NTRA stressed that it will not tolerate violations of regulations governing the sale, registration, and activation of mobile phone numbers.

 

It added that companies failing to comply with NTRA regulations will face the prescribed legal and administrative measures, which may include suspending the sale and activation of new lines by the violating operator and referring the matter to the Public Prosecution for further legal action.

 

The NTRA said it would continue to closely monitor the implementation of the new measures by mobile operators and take all necessary steps to ensure compliance.

It reaffirmed that protecting citizens’ rights and personal data, while ensuring the integrity of mobile phone registration procedures, remains a top priority.

 

Thousands of social media users have shared their experiences with telecommunications companies, including Etisalat, Vodafone, Orange, and WE, complaining that their personal data had been used to register SIM cards without their knowledge or consent.

 

The concerns emerged after an Information Systems student in Sharqia Governorate was sentenced to 25 years in prison on drug-trafficking charges. He was handed the sentence after a SIM card registered in his name was allegedly used by another drug dealer.