THE FIGHT AGAINST SIM FRAUD, SPAM CALLS, AND THE RESPONSIBILITY OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS OPERATORS

For many years, SIM fraud and spam calls have remained persistent challenges in the telecommunications sector. From unsolicited marketing calls to sophisticated scams involving impersonation of government authorities, financial institutions, and businesses to defraud individuals of their assets, telecommunications infrastructure has increasingly been exploited as a tool for illegal activities. The consequences extend beyond mere inconvenience to users, posing significant risks to information security, financial safety, and public trust in the digital environment.

To strengthen regulatory oversight and reinforce the accountability of telecommunications service providers, the Government has issued Decree No. 174/2026/ND-CP, which took effect on 1 July 2026, prescribing administrative sanctions in the fields of postal services, telecommunications, radio frequencies, electronic transactions, and information technology. A key feature of the Decree is its shift from a reactive enforcement approach to a preventive compliance model, requiring telecommunications operators to proactively identify and mitigate risks at the subscriber management stage.

Under the Decree, telecommunications service providers are required not only to verify subscriber information accurately but also to conduct regular reviews to detect and prevent the issuance of SIM cards in violation of regulatory procedures, SIM cards registered with inaccurate subscriber information, or subscriptions used to disseminate spam calls, spam messages, or facilitate other unlawful activities. Where irregularities are identified, operators must promptly implement appropriate technical and operational measures to prevent and address such violations in accordance with applicable law.

Telecommunications operators should also pay close attention to the sanctions applicable to service providers that fail to fulfil their subscriber management obligations. Operators that neglect to control SIM card issuance or fail to implement effective measures to prevent SIM fraud and spam communications may be subject to administrative penalties and required to take remedial measures, depending on the nature and severity of the violation. These provisions reinforce the principle that telecommunications operators are not merely service providers but are also directly responsible for maintaining a secure, transparent, and trustworthy telecommunications environment.

As telecommunications-related fraud continues to become increasingly sophisticated, service providers should proactively review their subscriber management procedures, strengthen identity verification processes, and adopt effective technical solutions to detect and prevent SIM fraud at an early stage. Failure to fulfil these responsibilities may expose operators not only to legal and regulatory sanctions but also to reputational damage, diminished service quality, and a loss of customer confidence. Proactive compliance with Decree No. 174/2026/ND-CP should therefore be regarded not only as a legal obligation but also as a fundamental element of sound corporate governance and a key contribution to building a safer and more sustainable digital ecosystem.