Commission Directs Service Providers to Implement Fingerprint Verification Service

The Communications and Information Technology Commission explained in a press statement today that it has directed all telecom service providers in the Kingdom to implement the fingerprint verification service for subscribers to mobile telecom services, starting from 11/4/1437H corresponding to 21/1/2016, and to match it with one of the identification documents (national ID for citizens and Gulf nationals, resident ID for residents, border number for visitors including pilgrims and Umrah performers, and temporary visitor residence ID for temporary residents. For the business sector: the commercial registration number, and the unified number for other entities). The Commission noted in its statement that all subscribers will receive text messages from the service provider requesting them to update and verify their data by fingerprint within a specified period.

The Commission also affirmed, at the same time, that all telecom service providers must provide all subscribers with proof of the number and details of the services that have been automatically activated for them, clarifying the issued service number and all its details.

The Commission explained in its statement that this measure is an extension of its continuous efforts to protect all subscribers to telecommunications and information technology services, safeguard their rights, and prevent the misuse of their personal data, in addition to the fact that this measure limits any negative effects or violations that may result from using telecom services in a manner that violates the Telecom Law and its implementing regulations.