At the end of this month, Namibia will introduce mandatory SIM card registration, joining hundreds of other countries in tying users’ SIM cards with their personal data. What’s the reasoning behind this rule, and should customers keep their (SIM) cards close to their chests instead?
If you’re reading this article in the UK or United States, you might not realise it, but for the overwhelming majority of the world, buying a new SIM card entails the need to register it under your real name.
Why do most governments insist on SIM card registration? Some see it as a tool in the fight against organised crime and terrorism, or for addressing fraud and handset theft. It’s believed that tying personal information to a SIM card will cut down on instances of all the above, or at least aid in their investigation and prosecution when required.
Cerillion plc (LON:CER) is a leading provider of billing, charging and customer management systems with more than 20 years’ experience delivering its solutions across a broad range of industries including the telecommunications, finance, utilities and transportation sectors.
