Vietnam will require mobile subscribers to scan their face every time they insert their SIM card into a new device, under regulations taking effect April 15.
The Ministry of Science and Technology’s Circular 08/2026/TT-BKHCN gives carriers up to two hours to suspend outgoing calls and SMS once a SIM is detected in a different handset, and to notify the subscriber to re-verify their identity biometrically.
Subscribers who fail to comply within 30 days will lose two-way service entirely. After a further five days without action, the carrier must terminate the contract permanently.
The rule targets a common fraud tactic in which scammers acquire legitimately registered SIM cards and slot them into new devices to bypass existing identity checks before carrying out phone scams.
For ordinary users, the measure only applies when changing phones or sharing a SIM, and a face scan through the carrier’s app is sufficient to restore full service. Incoming calls are not affected during the grace period.
Vietnam has been tightening SIM card rules in recent years as part of a broader crackdown on telecommunications fraud and anonymous SIM usage.
