The Ministry of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan has commented on reports of Uzbek virtual phone numbers being sold on international online platforms. The ministry urged citizens not to panic, emphasizing that these numbers do not provide access to users' personal information and have extremely limited functionality.

As experts explained, such virtual numbers are used exclusively for receiving one-time SMS codes (OTP) when registering on social networks or email services. They cannot be used as regular phone numbers for calls or full internet access.

Furthermore, the country has implemented a Face-ID system for registering real subscriber numbers. This eliminates the possibility of issuing a SIM card to a citizen without their knowledge and consent.

For additional control, the ministry recommends that users check the list of all numbers registered in their name through the "My Numbers" service on the my.gov.uz portal.

Previously, it was reported that virtual numbers with the national code +998 are being sold en masse on foreign informal platforms. Even number series that have not yet been officially released for sale by local mobile operators have become publicly accessible.

Source: podrobno.uz