Thousands of mobile numbers may stop functioning this fall. On November 3, a law prohibiting the unidentified use of SIM cards comes into force.
According to the new law, in Cyprus, anonymous use of SIM cards will be prohibited. All providers of mobile telephony services should identify persons using prepaid “SIM cards”. However, today Cyta has been able to identify only 15% of users, and the rest of the companies even less - from 0% to 7%. If the personality of the SIM card is not established, then after the law comes into force, the card will be deactivated, and the number is abolished.
Today, over 417,000 activated anonymous SIM cards operate in Cyprus. They are used by young people, tourists, foreign workers. The purpose of the new legislation is to guarantee public security and limit anonymity.
Why are anonymous numbers dangerous?
Anonymous prepaid SIM cards pose a threat, as they allow people to use mobile communications without identification. This makes such cards an attractive tool for criminals, terrorists, scammers and other attackers who seek to hide their personality and actions. Without the possibility of establishing who exactly uses the number to track the sources of telephone fraud, threats, coordination of criminal activity or the spread of misinformation, it becomes almost impossible.
Often the “disposable number” scheme is used - when the card is bought, used once for a call or message, and then thrown away, completely excluding the possibility of identification or listening. This significantly complicates the work of law enforcement agencies and special services, creates a gap in the national security system and promotes an increase in illegal activity, including cybercrime and organized crime.
The text is prepared according to Sigmalive materials
