Cellphone Users to be Identified

The contested Regulation of Interception of Communications Amendment Act, which requires service providers to take the personal details of all people buying SIM cards for cellphones, came into operation this week.

From 1 July 2009 the agents will be required to take the details of all new customers and will be given 18 months to record the personal details of users of their networks.

Finance Minister Jeff Radebe warned of heavy penalties for cellphone companies that fail to comply, adding that failure to comply is an offence.

The original Act, which regulates how communications ranging from landline phones to cellphones and email can be intercepted by state security agencies, was implemented in 2005, but the sections requiring the registration of all SIM cards for cellphones was held back as the government and the industry negotiated over how this would be achieved.

To read the article titled, “All cellphone users to be identified,” click here.