The head of the Communications and Information Technology Committee in the House of Representatives, MP Ahmed Badawy, noted that the issue of mobile phone lines registered in the names of people who do not use them has not been completely resolved, despite its decline in recent years.
During a phone interview with Al-Hayat TV on Saturday, Badawy indicated that new measures are underway to identify these illegal lines and verify user data.
He explained that the problem of large numbers of mobile phone lines being registered in the names of people who do not use them has persisted for years, being particularly significant from 1998 until 2017.
Addressing Illegal Mobile Lines
The head of the Communications Committee pointed out that measures to curb this issue began in 2018, including halting dealings with unauthorized agents and distributors, restricting the sale of mobile lines to company branches, and requiring activation through the call centers of telecommunications companies.
While Badawy confirmed that these measures have contributed to a decline in illegal lines, it has not eradicated the problem completely.
He explained that technological advancements and digital transformation, along with the misuse of phones and the link between some cybercrimes and mobile numbers, have made addressing the issue even more critical.
Badawy revealed new measures to enhance the governance of mobile line user data, including expanding the process of obtaining additional information to verify the line owner’s identity.
He noted that the Communications Committee is monitoring these measures.
How can citizens find out?
Badawy urged citizens to check all mobile phone lines registered in their names, emphasizing that any citizen who discovers a number registered in their name but not in use can take steps to cancel it.
He explained that citizens can check through the “My NTRA” application.
If a number appears registered in their name despite not being used, they can contact their mobile network operator to take the necessary steps and cancel the line.
Badawy confirmed that the four mobile network operators are handling these cases, while the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority is working with the telecommunications service providers to identify lines registered in the names of some individuals but used by others.
Lines used in crime
The head of the House of Representatives’ Communications Committee stressed that registering a phone line in someone’s name does not necessarily mean they committed a crime.
He emphasized that legal responsibility lies with whoever is proven to have committed a crime using the number.
He clarified that not all phone lines registered in names other than their users have been linked to crimes, but anyone proven to have used one of these numbers to commit a crime will be held accountable according to the law.
Fake Accounts
Badawy revealed another aspect of the case, indicating that there are instances of fake social media accounts being created using some of these phone numbers.
He noted that extensive investigations are underway regarding these cases, without disclosing further details, and confirmed that the relevant authorities are continuing to monitor the situation.
