The immediate implementation of SIM registration using the iris biometric technology has been disallowed by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), according to PTA, has not yet contacted the authority about such a request, so it is not currently being taken into consideration.
According to PTA representatives, before mobile SIM registration can begin, NADRA must gather user iris data. Only by matching these data can SIM registration and verification be accomplished.
With a population of 250 million, NADRA would need to install millions of machines across Pakistan in order to implement the eye biometric authentication system.
PTA Reservations
According to PTA authorities, NADRA must sign an agreement before an iris biometric system for mobile SIM registration can be launched. PTA and NADRA have not yet reached an agreement for this system.
In December 2022, PTA and NADRA started issuing SIM cards using the Multi-Finger Biometric Verification System (MBVS).
The registration of mobile SIMs has been strengthened with the MBVS system after an agreement was also made between NADRA and mobile phone operators for a multi-finger biometric verification system.
The technology has great potential to stop the issuance of fraudulent SIM cards and combat fraud.
The executives also stated that PTA has no issues with this biometric method and that registration of mobile SIMs through Iris can help avoid forgery.
The two institutions will have private discussions about issuing SIM cards using the new biometric approach, and mobile phone providers will also be included.
It is too soon to make any statements prior to this entire process; nevertheless, if there is agreement over the launch of this system, an agreement will be made between PTA, NADRA, and mobile phone providers.
A new biometric eye-based authentication system called “Iris” has just been released by NADRA.
According to NADRA, there is very little chance of misidentification through the eyes because the iris, the circle that surrounds the pupil of the eye, does not change over the course of a person’s lifetime. A scan performed at a young age can also serve as permanent identification, according to NADRA.
To read our blog on “Google is working on a top-secret project called Project Iris: Report,” click here.
