Sri Lanka’s government has some weird ideas. Back in February, we saw them blocking SMS on independence day and now they want to ban mobile phone lending. The idea behind the move is to fight terrorism, “to avert irregularities and illegal activities while minimizing threats to national security created by the irresponsible use of telephones.”
The proposal, which came from the Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRC), would also require people to carry a certificate of ownership at all times. In addition, mobile phone retailers will have to obtain a trading license and secure the legitimate source of all handsets they offer for sale.
Existing subscribers would be told about the new guidelines with their next monthly bill and the system would be effective the following month. Fixed wireless CDMA handsets will also be affected by the law and people will be limited to use them at their registered address, only.
As far as I see it, the new law limits freedom, it’s weird, and I’m totally against it, though, I’m not fully aware about Sri Lanka’s local conditions. I’m sure there are some other, not that intrusive ways to fight terrorism… Any thoughts?
[Via: Cellular-News]