Vietnam rolls out biometric SIM registration to curb mobile fraud

Vietnam's Ministry of Information and Communications has issued Circular No. 08/2026/TT‑BKHCN, requiring verification of subscriber data for all mobile phone users. The process checks four data groups – national ID number, full name, date of birth and facial biometrics – for new subscribers, those requesting SIM changes, device swaps or ownership transfers. By mid‑June 2026, more than 93 million of the country’s roughly 120 million mobile lines had completed verification via the VNeID app, with over 60 million users providing successful facial biometric data.

Telecommunications operators have deployed extensive support networks: Viettel has established about 50 000 assistance points and mobile units nationwide, while VinaPhone reports around 18 million verified subscribers and operates over a thousand offices and 4 000 mobile units to aid remote and disadvantaged users. Non‑compliant subscribers face progressive service suspension, ultimately leading to number reclamation.

The biometric registration initiative is part of a broader government effort to tighten the fight against online scams and trafficking networks, aiming to reduce identity theft, fraudulent SIM usage and illicit calls or messages. Officials expect the standardized subscriber database to improve fraud detection, simplify SIM replacement and bolster overall digital security for Vietnamese citizens.