04/12/2025
SIM card registration rules for PNG will be updated to align with the new National Digital ID Policy 2025.
Acting Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Hon. Peter Tsiamalili Jr., said the National ICT Authority (NICTA) will begin consultations on a revised regulation, following the launch of SevisPass and the SevisWallet App at the Digital Transformation Summit 2025.
Key Changes Ahead:
1. Adults (18+): All SIMs must be linked to a SevisPass Digital ID through the SevisWallet App.
2. Teenagers (13–17): Can register SIMs under a SevisPass-Minor, connected to a parent or guardian’s account.
3. Children (0–12): SIMs must be registered as dependent accounts under a parent or guardian’s SevisPass.
4. Grace Period: From 1 January to 30 June 2026, all existing SIM holders must link their numbers to SevisPass. Unlinked SIMs will be deactivated after this date.
5. Annual Checks: Every SIM will undergo digital ID re-verification once a year.
6. Data Protection: Telcos will no longer store raw biometrics; instead, secure SevisPass tokens will be used.
Why are we doing this? The new regulation aims to:
- Clean up PNG’s SIM ecosystem
- Reduce fraud, scams, and crime
- Meet anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism obligations
- Make it easier for citizens to access government services, financial services, and more online services with a trusted PNG-owned Digital ID system.
Minister Tsiamalili Jr. said the changes will strengthen trust in mobile services while protecting privacy and giving young people a safe way to connect online.
More details on this: https://www.ict.gov.pg/sim-card-registration-to-link-with-digital-id/