11.06.2026 10:40
The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) tightened security rules for phone and internet lines with new regulations covering subscription processes and identity verification. Under the application that will come into effect on June 25, identity verification can be performed through methods such as facial recognition and fingerprints. Operators will regularly check subscribers, and lines whose identity cannot be verified will be deactivated after specific periods.
The new regulations of the Information Technologies and Communication Authority (BTK) regarding phone and internet subscriptions were published in the Official Gazette. With the rules that will come into effect on June 25, 2026, identity verification processes in subscription transactions will be reshaped and security measures will be increased.
NEW PRACTICES IN IDENTITY VERIFICATION
According to the new regulation, subscription contracts can be made both in writing and electronically. However, verifying the identity of the applicant before the contract will be mandatory.
Identity verification processes can be carried out using methods such as electronic identity documents, passwords, facial recognition systems, or fingerprint summaries. In remote subscription transactions, verification will be done entirely electronically, while in face-to-face applications, a video recording of the transaction moment may also be taken in addition to identity checks.
With chip-enabled identity cards and NFC-enabled identity documents, electronic verification will be allowed, and identity verification can also be performed through the e-Government mobile application using near field communication technology.
The identity information of foreigners without electronic identity documents will be verified through the records of the Presidency of Migration Management. Identity verification processes for diplomatic mission employees and their families will be carried out through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
NUMBER OF LINES THAT CAN BE OPENED UNDER THE SAME PERSON WILL BE CONTROLLED
The regulation imposes an obligation on operators not to open new subscriptions under the same person's name above the limit determined by BTK.
This practice aims to more strictly control the number of phone lines that can be opened under one person's name and to prevent possible abuses.
ALL LINES WILL BE CHECKED EVERY THREE MONTHS
Under the new rules, operators will audit the activity status of all subscribers every three months.
In addition to individual subscribers, for corporate subscriptions, the identity information of authorized persons will be verified through official registry systems. For company subscriptions, it will also be checked whether the company's operations are ongoing.
UNVERIFIED LINES WILL BE CLOSED TO USE
If subscription information cannot be verified during audits, a text message will be sent to the subscriber at the first stage.
If verification is not completed within 30 days after the notification, a restriction will be applied to the line. If the verification process is not completed within 90 days, the relevant line will be completely closed to use.
In corporate subscriptions, if only the authorized person cannot be verified, the line will not be closed, but subscription transactions cannot be carried out until a new authorized person is appointed.
AIM IS TO PREVENT UNREGISTERED LINES
BTK aims to prevent identity fraud, increase security in subscription transactions, and reduce the use of unregistered lines with the new regulations.