The immediate implementation of SIM registration using the iris biometric system has been disallowed by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.
The immediate implementation of SIM registration using the iris biometric system has been disallowed by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), according to PTA, has not yet contacted the authority about such a proposal, so it is not currently being taken into consideration.
PTA officials told the media that before beginning mobile SIM registration through the Iris biometric system, NADRA will need to collect users’ iris data. Only by matching these data can SIMs be registered and verified.
Since there are about 250 million people in Pakistan, NADRA would need to install millions of machines there in order to implement the eye biometric authentication system, which would take some time.
According to PTA representatives, NADRA must first approve the launch of an iris biometric system for mobile SIM registration. PTA and NADRA have not yet signed an agreement for this system. In December 2022, PTA and NADRA will begin issuing SIM cards using the Multi-Finger Biometric Verification System (MBVS).
The registration of mobile SIMs has been tightened with the MBVS system after an agreement was also signed between NADRA and mobile phone operators for a multi-finger biometric verification system. The system has great potential to stop the issuance of fake SIM cards and deter fraud.
The officials further stated that PTA has no issues with this biometric system and that registration of mobile SIMs through Iris can help prevent forgery. The two institutions will have private discussions about issuing SIM cards using the new biometric system, and mobile phone providers will also be included.
The PTA, NADRA, and mobile phone operators will sign an agreement if there is agreement on the launch of this system. It is too soon to make any statements before this entire process. A new biometric authentication system called “Iris” that uses the eyes has just been released by NADRA.
The NADRA claims that there is very little chance of misidentification through the eyes because the iris, or the circle that surrounds the pupil, remains constant throughout life. Early scans can also serve as permanent identification, according to NADRA.