"PNG GOVERNMENT SET TO INTRODUCE MAJOR MOBILE IDENTITY REFORM BY 2026."

Описание: #pngnews #redalert_553 #papuanewguinea

PNG GOVERNMENT SET TO INTRODUCE MAJOR MOBILE IDENTITY REFORM BY 2026.
By Red Alert Team
Port Moresby — December 2025Papua New Guinea is preparing to roll out one of the most comprehensive mobile identity reforms in the Pacific, following the Government’s announcement of a new SIM Card Registration Regulation to take effect in 2026. This major reform is designed to strengthen national security, enhance digital accountability, and integrate all mobile users into the country’s rapidly developing SevisPass Digital ID ecosystem.The new regulation will make it mandatory for every mobile phone subscriber—citizens, foreign residents, businesses, and visitors—to register active SIM cards under a verified SevisPass Digital ID profile. This linkage is expected to drastically reduce unverified numbers often used in criminal activity, anonymous threats, online scams, and cyber-enabled offenses.Government leaders say the initiative forms part of a broader digital transformation agenda aimed at modernizing identity systems, strengthening cyber governance, and aligning Papua New Guinea with global best practices in mobile identity verification. The reform is also expected to boost law enforcement capabilities by improving tracking and traceability of communications.The National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) will lead the national rollout, supported by mobile network operators who are already preparing updated verification platforms, biometric authentication systems, and user-friendly registration channels. Public awareness campaigns and provincial outreach will begin in 2025, ensuring rural communities and first-time digital ID users are not left behind.Despite strong support from security agencies and digital governance experts, concerns have been raised regarding data privacy, remote accessibility, and the potential digital divide. Authorities have responded by promising strict privacy protections, secure data storage protocols, and mobile registration teams deployed to remote districts.Once implemented, the regulation is expected to position PNG as one of the region’s leaders in digital identity integration—connecting telecommunications, online platforms, banking, and government services under one secure digital framework.
—RED ALERT TEAM