Ooredoo Maldives has announced a significant upgrade to its eSIM activation process, introducing enhanced security measures aimed at protecting users from fraud and unauthorised access.
The upgraded system incorporates a two-step verification process that goes beyond the existing one-time password (OTP) method. Customers will now be required to upload a photo of their national ID card and complete a real-time facial recognition step to verify their identity. This integration of facial matching with Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology is expected to raise the bar on digital security for mobile users in the country.
A key addition is the new Rollback SMS feature. In cases of suspicious activity or unauthorised SIM swaps, the original SIM owner will receive a text message containing a rollback link valid for 72 hours. This provides a critical window for customers to halt fraudulent attempts and restore control over their mobile number.
Further enhancing transparency, Ooredoo has introduced bilingual SMS and email alerts in both Dhivehi and English. These notifications will inform users at each stage of the eSIM process, ensuring greater awareness and reassurance.
The company stated that these improvements are part of its broader commitment to innovation, customer safety, and trust in a digital-first world. As more users shift to eSIMs for convenience, telecom operators are facing increasing pressure to secure the process from bad actors exploiting remote access vulnerabilities.
Ooredoo’s move sets a new standard for eSIM verification in the Maldives, with potential implications for the wider region as digital onboarding becomes the norm.
