For each subscriber providing incorrect information, the network operator will be fined one million dong.

Telecom companies have 12 months to standardize all subscriber data, before being fined if they are found to have incorrect subscriber information.

Decree 49 on administrative sanctions for violations in the fields of telecommunications, information technology and radio frequencies has just been issued by the Government and will take effect from the end of April.

Accordingly, within 12 months, telecommunications enterprises must ensure that all mobile subscriber information stored in the database is complete and accurate.

The new document provides heavy penalties for violations by each entity, especially providing services to organizations and individuals with incorrect subscriber information. Telecommunications businesses with incorrect subscriber information will be fined VND1 million per number. In addition to fining the business, the legal representative of the business can also be fined up to VND100 million for major violations.

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To limit the widespread sale of junk SIM cards, within 12 months from the effective date of the Decree, telecommunications enterprises must sign contracts with authorized telecommunications service providers and liquidate contracts, and collect subscriber SIM cards distributed to agents. After this period, agents not authorized by the network operator will have to stop selling SIM cards and registering subscriber information.

Organizations and individuals who sell or circulate SIM cards with pre-entered subscriber information, pre-activated services, or sell SIM cards without a signed authorization contract from the network operator may be fined VND40 million. In particular, individuals and organizations that provide or use information technology applications to falsify information, photos of subscriber documents, etc. may be fined from VND80 to VND100 million.

Previously, regulations for the above violations were only provided in a circular issued in 2012. After Decree 49 took effect, this document was abolished. The Government hopes that the newly issued document will overcome loopholes, increase efficiency and feasibility in subscriber management.

According to the management agency, every day in Vietnam, millions of spam messages are sent. These spam messages mainly come from junk SIM cards, which are prepaid mobile phone SIM cards registered with incorrect subscriber information. Many subjects have easily purchased these phone numbers to send anonymous messages, scam, disrupt public order, and directly affect people as well as information security and national defense.

In addition, the Ministry of Information and Communications believes that junk SIM cards not only lead to spam and fraud, but are also a tool for criminals and even terrorists. This is the reason why the management agency has strengthened the management of prepaid mobile subscribers with continuous campaigns since the end of last year. One of the important measures that must be implemented immediately is to recall pre-activated SIM cards on distribution channels.

According to VNE