Egypt to make facial recognition mandatory for mobile phone line registration

The National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority is implementing measures to enhance the verification process for the identities of mobile phone lineholders, however this latest move has fuelled privacy fears.

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Facial biometric verification will be required for the activation of new mobile SIM cards in Egypt starting next month. This initiative, implemented by [1] the National Telecom Regulatory Authority or NTRA, aims to reduce unauthorized registrations and enhance the protection of subscribers' personal data. Under the new system, customers [2] must present their national ID cards and sign a standard service contract prior to undergoing an automated facial recognition check. Activation of SIM cards will occur only after the system verifies that the purchaser's facial image aligns with the identification document. The entire process will be conducted through technical verification, eliminating any human intervention. The NTRA has stated that mobile operators will not store biometric data.

Testing of the facial verification system is currently in progress, with full implementation anticipated. In the interim, the sale of company-issued SIM cards has been halted. The regulatory authority also intends to review existing company lines to confirm they are held by their registered users. For Egyptians residing abroad, [3] the verification process will be accessible either through a representative in Egypt with a valid power of lawyer or remotely once the system is operational. The National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority has stated that these measures are aimed at resolving longstanding issues related to SIM card registration, while also enhancing the security of subscribers' personal information.

However, Amira al-Adly, [4] who is a member of the House of Representatives, have raised concerns regarding [5] the use of facial recognition technology for mobile phone line registration. MP Adly emphasized the importance and sensitivity of biometric data, labeling its management as a matter of national security. She questioned the main objective behind deploying facial recognition, inquiring whether it is solely to prevent mobile phone lines from being misused or if it is part of broader state efforts to implement a digital identity system. Adly also highlighted that the Personal Data Protection Law mandates the creation of a dedicated data protection centre. She stated that the collection of sensitive data necessitates a clear institutional framework outlining the rules for its handling and protection.

Egypt would [6] introduce a biometric verification application intended for government online services. The Ministry of Interior has described this initiative as the nation’s first unified national platform focused on securing personal data and safeguarding online transactions. The platform utilizes facial recognition technology, developed by local engineers, and is crafted to comply with international technical standards, according to the ministry. As indicated on the app’s on boarding screens, users aiming to access services from the Interior Ministry online must authenticate their identity by scanning their national ID card and completing facial recognition procedures. Citizens can register by providing their mobile phone number and national ID details. The ministry highlighted that the app offers features including identity verification, tracking of official requests, and notifications regarding services. However, it did not disclose which specific government platforms or services will be incorporated into the system.

In October 2025, Egypt announced plans to establish 3 entirely government-owned data centres [7] as part of its national strategy aimed at accelerating digital transformation and improving public service delivery. Mostafa Madbouly, [8] who is the Prime Minister of Egypt said, “The state is committed to expanding investment in data centres and cloud platforms to capitalize on Egypt’s strategic location and the robust infrastructure developed over recent years.” The Egyptian government is anticipated to unveil additional incentives aimed at promoting investment in smart data centres and cloud services, with the goal of establishing Egypt as a regional hub for digital innovation and secure data hosting.

In November 2025, Egypt’s Central Bank launched [9] a new website as part of the upcoming introduction of the Haweya mobile application, intended to streamline digital ID verification for financial inclusion and various services. The website would support remote digital Know Your Customer processes, facilitate bank account openings for 37 financial institutions, enable document verification, and allow users to subscribe to telecommunications services such as SIM card purchases. Additionally, it will provide access to a range of services from both government and private sectors.

Citizens must register on the Haweya platform by providing their biometric data, which will create a trusted digital ID profile for accessing various services. This initiative aims to streamline the process of performing banking and other transactions, reducing the reliance on complex and often error-prone paperwork. Once the digital ID app is launched, the Central Bank of Egypt anticipates that citizens will be able to open bank accounts and conduct financial transactions using their smartphones, eliminating the need to visit physical bank branches.

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