Mandatory SIM card registration: A Dangerous endeavor

Mandatory SIM card registration: A Dangerous endeavor

With debates around mandatory subscriber identification module (SIM) card registration raging on one wonder if the registration eradicates the ability of mobile phone users to communicate anonymously resulting in mass surveillance.

Government has already approved regulations that in future will require mobile phone subscribers to register their SIM cards before being able to access network service.  This route will result in the hoarding of personal data nationwide. Their argument resting on it as a measure to curb crime. That is an erroneous logic, at best.

This route makes tracking and monitoring of all users easier. In fact, there are no robust empirical studies that show that such measures make a difference in terms of crime prevention as criminals are known for circumventing rules.

Even if anonymous SIMs becoming difficult to obtain criminals are likely to adopt one of three tactics illicit cloning of third-party SIM cards, using foreign SIM cards on roaming mode or the adoption of internet telephony.

While nearly 155 countries have already adopted this mandate, I am of the view that this route encourages self-censorship by stoking fear and distrust. In the process preventing people from organising collective action against the government.

This heightens risks to free speech and privacy. Privacy violations are likely to be the rule rather than exception. Imagine a scenario were private communication of human rights activists and opposition politicians falls into the wrong hands the consequences can be dire.

I recently came across a case were private messages of Rwandan gospel musician Kizito Mihigo purportedly exchanged with government opponents living in exile were used as evidence in his trial for conspiring to overthrow the government.

Expectedly, after introduction of SIM registration laws, in South Africa, a major operator lost approximately 1 million subscribers, in Zimbabwe, two major operators lost 2 million subscribers, while in Kenya 1.2 million subscribers were lost.

Where the effectiveness of SIM registration has been analysed and subject to consultation, it has been found wanting. This trend suggests that we are wading deeper into dangerous waters.