Facial biometrics will be mandatory for mobile phone users

From 2027 onwards, mobile phone users will need to undergo biometric validation to hire and maintain telephone lines. The obligation was approved by the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) and aims to prevent fraud, as the owner of the telephone line is now identified.

Biometrics will be carried out using facial recognition with proof of life, which will be compared with existing public or private databases. This validation must be available on operators' in-person service channels, in addition to mobile phone companies' websites and applications.

If biometric authentication is not possible, Anatel standards require alternative procedures to guarantee the identification of the line holder.

Implementation

The implementation of the standard will be done gradually. In cases of new prepaid accounts, the deadline for using biometrics will be September 30, 2027. For new postpaid activations, portability, chip exchange and registration or contractual changes, the deadline will be December 31, 2027.

Users of old accounts who have not yet registered must do so by January 2029. Lines that have not been regularized may be suspended and cancelled.