Information Technologies and Communications Authority (BTK) is making a fundamental change in order to increase security and prevent irregularities in the field of electronic communications. With the new regulation change published in the Official Gazette, electronic identity verification becomes mandatory in telephone and internet subscription processes. This regulation, which will come into force on June 25, 2026, envisages the gradual restriction and subsequent closure of existing lines whose identity has not been verified or updated. With the new rules, it is aimed to fight more actively against fraudulent subscriptions, identity fraud and crimes committed through open lines.

The basic rules and process brought by the new regulation work as follows:

Regular Audit Every 3 Months: Mobile operators and internet service providers regularly check the activity and identity information of all subscribers through the Identity Sharing System every 3 months.

30-Day Verification Period: Subscribers whose identity information cannot be verified during the checks are notified via text message. Following the notification, the lines of people who do not make the necessary verification within 30 days are restricted.

Complete Closure at the End of 90 Days: Following the restriction period, the borders of subscribers who cannot provide electronic identity verification for a total of 90 days can be completely closed.

How Will Electronic Identity Verification Be Done?

According to the new legislation prepared by BTK, the processes of individuals who want to sign a new subscription contract or need to update their existing information are carried out safely through digital infrastructures. New subscription contracts are no longer allowed to be made with old type documents that do not have electronic verification capability.

Modern and biometric formulas such as new chip ID cards, near field communication (NFC) technology, e-Government gateway, face verification and fingerprint summary are used during transactions. Identification can be completed within seconds by using the NFC feature via the e-Government portable application. For face-to-face applications, in addition to scanning the identity document, a process-specific snapshot image is recorded to prevent fraud.

Strict Follow-up for Subscribers of Foreign Origin

Within the scope of the regulation, the processes for foreign individuals who use portable borders in Turkey or want to open a new border are also tightened. The identity information of foreigners who do not have an electronic identity document is confirmed through the systems of the Directorate of Immigration Management. Approval is given by comparing biometric data in the Immigration Administration’s information base with instant live images. The processes of diplomatic mission employees are carried out through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Unlimited Line Period for a Person’s Name Ends

One of the most important innovations brought by the new legislation is the prevention of uncontrolled opening of dozens of lines on a single citizen. BTK sets a clear limit for the maximum number of telephone lines that can be opened for a single person. Operators are obliged to directly reject new subscription requests above this determined limit. In this way, it is aimed to completely end the illegal line trade known as “open line” or “potato line”, which is frequently used in fraud and cyber errors.

Heavy administrative fines of 20 thousand TL per border are imposed on portable operators who do not comply with the rules, fail to verify their identity, or open the border despite exceeding the limit. In corporate subscriptions, if the authorized person cannot be verified, the borders are not closed immediately, but no subscription process is allowed on the line until a new authorized person is identified.