No Grounds for Concern: Clarification on Reports Regarding the Sale of Virtual Numbers in Uzbekistan
2026-03-19 13:10:00 / News of ministry
In connection with reports circulated via the Pressuzb Telegram channel and other social media platforms alleging the sale of virtual numbers associated with Uzbekistan on international and unofficial online services, the following clarification is provided.
The screenshots referenced in these reports originate from the unofficial online service SMS-FAST, which offers virtual numbers from multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Portugal, and Vietnam, in addition to Uzbekistan.
Virtual numbers obtained through such platforms are intended exclusively for short-term use, primarily for registration on social networks, email services, and other digital platforms using one-time verification codes (OTP). These numbers are not complete telephone numbers and do not enable voice communication or access to internet services.
Accordingly, such virtual numbers do not pose a risk of unauthorized access to citizens’ personal data.
It should be noted that, in order to strengthen measures against crimes committed using information technologies, all mobile network operators in Uzbekistan have implemented systems for detecting and preventing number spoofing. These mechanisms are continuously being improved.
At the same time, the misuse of telecommunications resources, including the use of temporary or virtual numbers for creating fraudulent accounts on digital platforms, remains a global issue.
To further strengthen regulatory requirements and prevent the issuance of SIM cards without the direct participation of citizens, the Ministry of Justice approved updated “Rules for the Provision of Telecommunications Services” (No. 3762, dated January 6, 2026). Under these rules, contracts between operators and subscribers must be concluded using biometric facial identification (Face ID).
In addition, citizens can independently monitor all mobile numbers registered in their name through the “My Numbers” service available on the my.gov.uz portal.