Mobile security: Senegal ends anonymous SIM cards, an effective measure? 🤔

Cliquez ici pour lire en français

Since Monday, March 31, 2025, holders of unidentified SIM cards in Senegal have had their lines suspended. This decision, made by the Regulatory Authority for Telecommunications and Posts (ARTP), aims to strengthen telecommunications security and combat fraud related to anonymous numbers.

A measure to combat fraud🔒

SIM card identification is an increasingly adopted measure worldwide to limit fraudulent uses of mobile phone networks. In Senegal, ARTP justifies this decision by the need to better regulate communications and ensure better user traceability. By imposing subscriber identification, the government hopes to reduce cases of identity theft, cybercrime, and phone scams, which have multiplied in recent years.

According to several cybersecurity experts, anonymous SIM cards are often used by criminal networks to conduct illegal activities. These frauds range from scams to fraudulent calls and even anonymous threats. This regulation is therefore intended to clean up the telecommunications sector and limit abuses.

Mandatory identification since March 18 📝

The SIM card identification campaign gradually began on March 18, 2025. Since then, subscribers with unregistered SIM cards have started experiencing restrictions on their lines, preventing them from making calls or accessing certain services.

To avoid permanent disconnection, affected subscribers must visit an identification center approved by their operator (Orange, Yas, Expresso, Hayo, or Promobile) with a valid identification document. The goal is to ensure that each mobile phone number is linked to a real identity.

A well-received measure🤔

This ARTP decision appears to be largely accepted by the population. Many Senegalese believe that stricter control over phone number allocation was necessary. Cheikh Fall, a resident of Dakar, states, « Too many numbers were circulating without identification, which posed a real traceability problem. »

However, some concerns remain, particularly regarding the management of subscriber influx at identification centers. Large queues have been observed at several agencies. Additionally, some users fear they may not be able to regularize their situation in time.

Aligning with international practices🌍

Senegal is not the first country to adopt such regulations. Several African and global nations have already implemented similar campaigns. Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Benin, and Cameroon, among others, have imposed mandatory SIM card identification in recent years for security reasons.

In Ivory Coast, for example, a similar measure was introduced in 2020, leading to the deactivation of thousands of anonymous numbers. In Nigeria, where cybercrime is a major issue, SIM card identification has become a national priority to combat online fraud.

What challenges for implementing this measure?⚠️

While ARTP’s objective is clear, challenges remain in the effective application of this regulation. The overcrowding of identification centers and the lack of information for some users could slow down the process. Moreover, some individuals, especially in rural areas, may struggle to reach a registration center.

Telecom operators will also need to ensure the smooth implementation of the measure by assisting subscribers and avoiding unjustified suspensions. ARTP reminds that any unidentified SIM card after March 31 will be suspended. However, subscribers will still have the opportunity to regularize their situation after this date to recover their number.

By enforcing SIM card identification, Senegal joins the list of countries strengthening their control over telecommunications. This regulation aims to protect users and limit abuses related to anonymous numbers

What’s your opinion ?!
Do you think this measure will be effective in combating cybercrime in Senegal? Let us know in the comments! ☺️