New requirements for handling subscriber traffic bypass terminals, widely known as SIM boxes, will come into force on March 1, 2027. The corresponding decree was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. It is now prohibited to enter into contracts for the use of such equipment with individuals.
The regulation is aimed at combating telephone fraud. According to the Ministry of Digital Development, it will reduce the risk of criminals using SIM boxes in various fraud schemes, including so-called social engineering fraud and grey termination. Additionally, the norms will help identify those who operate such devices illegally.
Operators will be allowed to cooperate exclusively with legal entities and individual entrepreneurs. One contract can cover a maximum of four SIM cards. It will be mandatory to specify the equipment parameters and the purposes for which it is used. Only officially employed staff will be allowed to work with SIM boxes.
A SIM box, also known as a GSM gateway, allows simultaneous management of a large number of SIM cards, handling calls and messages for each of them remotely. The purchase and operation of such devices are not prohibited per se. However, they are actively used by criminals, including for stealing codes from SMS messages and masking calls originating from abroad.
Read more on the topic:
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