Turkey’s BTK Unveils Measures Against Fake Phone Lines Used for…
Turkey’s Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) announced new regulations on June 11, 2026, targeting the widespread use of fake phone lines. This initiative aims to prevent their exploitation in various illegal activities, including fraud, identity theft, and terrorist operations.
Fake phone lines refer to mobile subscriptions or SIM cards registered under false identities or using stolen personal data. This anonymity makes them a preferred tool for criminal networks to conduct scams, extortion, and coordinate serious crimes without revealing their true identities.
In Turkey, digital fraud poses a significant threat, with these lines often used for orchestrating phishing attacks, SMS scams, and fake customer service calls, leading to substantial financial losses for victims.
The BTK further highlighted that these lines are also exploited by terrorist groups, providing an anonymous communication channel for planning, recruitment, and coordination of terror acts, thus posing a serious national security threat. By taking decisive action against these lines, BTK is implementing a proactive strategy to reduce terrorists’ ability to operate undetected within Turkey’s communication networks.
As the primary regulator for Turkey’s telecommunications sector, BTK plays a central role in promoting competition, ensuring consumer rights, and overseeing digital security. These new regulations align with Turkey’s broader strategy to strengthen its digital defenses and infrastructure, which also encompasses investments in data centres, 5G development, and e-government services.
Source: TRT Haber
