EVERY new technology carries with it tremendous responsibility. Technology should be used for the advancement of the interest of all and not only of a chosen few. It is therefore imperative to ensure that the benefits we derive from this technology should be used properly and not abused by some disgruntled segments of our society.
The proposed registration of prepaid subscriber identity modules (SIMs) is most welcome. With the growing popularity of smart mobile devices such as phones, tablets and watches comes the risk of text-based and online scams, some of which may allow an attacker to steal a user’s identity and commit crimes in his or her name.
As proposed, persons who want to use prepaid SIM cards must fill up a registration form providing their name and the phone number of the prepaid SIM card. Buyers must present valid government documents such as passports, or school or company IDs with photos. Dealers and telecommunications service providers who sell the SIM cards must maintain records of the names and other data of all persons who purchased the cards. If a prepaid SIM card is used in an illegal or criminal activity, law enforcement agencies may retrieve information from the database – but only with a written court order.
While the pre-paid SIM is easily accessible and can be bought almost everywhere, the owners can potentially evade detection. However, this opens the door to unscrupulous individuals to commit criminal activities to the detriment not only of a particular interest but that of the whole nation.
Possession of the most modern technology comes with tremendous responsibility because it could be abused. A mechanism must be put in place to ensure its effective use for the good of all while preventing its illegal or malicious use.
