Buying a new smartphone, registering a SIM card, or changing the owner of a phone will now require mandatory face scanning. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
The Ministry of Digital Development has developed new rules for verification and registration of subscriber devices of cellular communication. To combat theft, fraud, and illegal import, the country will introduce a system for dividing gadgets into categories, as well as mandatory biometric authentication of owners. The corresponding draft was published on the website "Open NLA".
Biometric Authentication Requirements
According to the document, additional guarantees of data accuracy will be ensured exclusively through biometric authentication. This requirement applies to two categories of persons: applicants who apply for registration or re-registration of a smartphone, as well as primary users of cellular services (Kazakhstanis for whom a device and number are registered for the first time).
The integration of biometrics and automated interaction with state databases is introduced as a tool to combat fraudsters. According to the developers, this measure will forever eliminate the possibility of registering numbers using someone else's data and protect the rights of legitimate device owners.
Tracking the Full Lifecycle of a Device
The new administrative regulation will allow the state to track the full lifecycle of a mobile device: from the moment of its import or production in Kazakhstan to repair, resale, cessation of use, or complete blocking.
The project provides for automatic verification of codes (IMEI) against the global database of the GSMA association. If the system detects a device with signs of cloning (modified or duplicated codes) or finds a phone on the international blacklist, its use in Kazakhstani networks will be restricted. In addition, a separate procedure regulates the rapid disconnection of communication for gadgets used without authorization in prisons and pre-trial detention centers.
Legal Basis and Public Discussion
The draft order was developed in pursuance of the order of the Prime Minister dated July 23, 2026, and is aimed at implementing amendments to the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Communications" (adopted on June 19, 2026). The document completely rewrites and replaces the current rules for registering subscriber devices, which were approved by Order No. 226 in May 2018. The regulatory legal act is at the stage of public discussion on the "Open NLA" portal. Acceptance of comments and suggestions from citizens and the expert community will last until September 14, 2026.
Previous Changes
Earlier it was reported that from August 20, the rules for selling smartphones in Kazakhstan changed. Now the seller must check the IMEI code of the device before sale, and the buyer has the right to check its status via the website. Unverified phones cannot be sold. On the first day of the new rules, Kursiv Lifestyle went to Almaty's TSUM to find out how smartphone sellers work under the new requirements and what they tell customers about possible phone blocking.