08 October 2024

XL Axiata has launched a new prepaid SIM card registration process that uses facial recognition technology as a biometric ID verification measure, following a successful trial in September.

XL Axiata’s prepaid customers will be required to scan their face using designated devices during the prepaid card registration process. The biometric data will be automatically cross-checked with government identity databases to verify the customer’s identity.

The operator claims that facial recognition technology enables more precise identity verification, which will streamline the prepaid registration process. The technology also complies with industry Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols to ensure data accuracy and reduce the risk of fraud or identity theft. The biometric technology will help it comply with the Indonesian government’s regulations on prepaid number registration that claim to ‘enhance security and prevent the misuse of telecommunication services.’

XL Axiata staged a public trial of the biometric prepaid card registration process at XL Center Gandaria City in Jakarta, on 12 September. The trial was supervised by the Ministry of Communication and Informatics of the Republic of Indonesia (Kominfo).

“We believe this innovation will bring convenience, enhance security, improve speed, and minimize the risk of data forgery or duplicate identities,” said Yessie D. Yosetya, director and chief enterprise business and corporate affairs officer at XL Axiata.

Use of facial recognition technology has been ramping up in Indonesia, particularly among government agencies and companies, with much of it applied to immigration checkpoints. In July, Indonesia Immigration implemented an automated border control system using facial recognition for the international seaport at Batam Centre. In September, state railway company KAI said it will introduce a new CCTV system with face recognition technology to identify and blacklist passengers involved in criminal activities.