Face biometrics mandated for SIM card activation in Argentina

[carride]

thing is that unlike the US, where the SSN is "secret" here the numero de DNI is given and asked for widely. When you open a bank account here online -- using you cell phone -- the verification is done with the image in the renaper database. It works just fine. Not sure why we are making such a big deal out of this.

The original post is not about having to use DNI for identification, and no one responded in this thread with concerns about DNI. This news article is referring to the new mandate by Enacom. The regulation states that any new mobile phone SIM must be only be activated after proving yourself with a scan of your face. Facial recognition tied to your cell phone for absolutely no valid reason.

Realistically I doubt the cell phone providers can implement the mandate. Para cambiar la tarjeta SIM del celular, será obligatorio activar el reconocimiento facial

 

[Reply Guy]

thing is that unlike the US, where the SSN is "secret" here the numero de DNI is given and asked for widely. When you open a bank account here online -- using you cell phone -- the verification is done with the image in the renaper database. It works just fine. Not sure why we are making such a big deal out of this.

I'm sure the process works fine and only takes 5 minutes, but I suggest you do more research on the implications of having your biometric information leaked and sold on the darknet.

 

[paulo]

I see some older threads about getting a sim card. I would like to avoid the biometric thing if possible. My phone won't handle e-sim. My last visit I relied on WIFI but I would like to be able to follow my movements on Google maps. I recall bring able to do that some of the time but would a sim card ensure this? Any recommendations, please? In the states I use Cricket, affiliated with AT&T.

 

[lunar]

Any recommendations, please? In the states I use Cricket, affiliated with AT&T.

Is your phone unlocked? If it is locked, you need to call Cricket and ask them to unlock it. If you don't have a DNI, just go to a Claro office with your passport and credit card to get a tourist SIM card with a monthly package. They will activate it for you.

https://www.claro.com.ar/personas/planes-prepago-pospago/turistas

 

[HenryHoneyBalls]

I use Movistar, they wouldnt activate my pay as you go sim without a DNI, even for a tourist sim

So I gave them my wife's DNI and they accepted that.

 

[elhombresinnombre]

I see some older threads about getting a sim card. I would like to avoid the biometric thing if possible. My phone won't handle e-sim. My last visit I relied on WIFI but I would like to be able to follow my movements on Google maps. I recall bring able to do that some of the time but would a sim card ensure this? Any recommendations, please? In the states I use Cricket, affiliated with AT&T.

Just a comment:
If you are uncomfortable about the facial recognition thing then you might want to look more closely at the masses of data your phone is sharing about you every day and the entities it shares it with. If you are comfortable about what your phone does then I'd say that facial recognition is no biggie really.

 

[jorisw]

My understanding of this article is that the carriers are asked to require biometric authentication of who's using the phone through face recognition, at the time of activating a SIM.

On iPhone, this could be implemented if the operating system did a quick FaceID check before allowing a SIM to be activated. FaceID signatures are stored encrypted and never leave the phone, meaning neither Apple nor third parties have access. I would assume the same goes for Google with Android.

Vendors of hardware and software deal with new domestic requirements all the time and could in fact easily add this step. In fact I vaguely remember getting a FaceID prompt last time I did enable a new eSIM from Airalo.

 

[paulo]

Interesting. Never heard of FaceID before. Thanks. Well yes its hard to avoid biometrics as much as I dislike the intrusiveness... it's clear that the phone is now practically a mind reader & that I am losing the battle with my phone and its boundaries in so many ways.

Don't need a burner phone & am not undercover. So....

So, my real question... and this is coming from someone who is not a digital native.... Will purchase of a sim card allow my Galaxy android A14 5G to function throughout Argentina? Is there any alternative (besides WIFI)? Where to buy, esp if there are price differences? Any preferred brands?

Thanks!!!!

 

[lunar]

So, my real question... and this is coming from someone who is not a digital native.... Will purchase of a sim card allow my Galaxy android A14 5G to function throughout Argentina?

Technologically, your US Galaxy A14 5G should work without issues in Argentina.
However, if you purchased it as part of a contract deal, your carrier has probably locked it to their network.
In that case, you'll need to contact Cricket, explain that you're traveling internationally, and request an unlock.

Device Unlock Policy | Cricket

Have a Cricket phone and need the unlock code? Visit our website to learn the requirements and how to unlock your phone.

www.cricketwireless.com

 

[jorisw]

Better to get a domestic SIM as fees across borders can accumulate and yield large phone bills.

An eSIM is easily purchased via apps such as Nomad, Airalo.
Physical SIMs are purchased at for example a Claro branch, bring your passport and a plastic credit card.