Everyone knows that you can use a prepaid cell phone to assist in illegal activity – that’s why “burners” are often used by drug dealers. U.S. lawmakers introduced a bill today that could help destroy the anonymity of prepaid mobile phone users.
The bill would require prepaid cell phone buyers to present identification and the carrier would be required to keep that information on file if Johnny Law comes a knocking. The push for registration comes after the recent Times Square bombing plot, as the alleged suspect used prepaid calling services to coordinate the attack.
“This proposal is overdue because for years terrorists, drug kingpins and gang member have stayed one step ahead of the law by using prepaid phones that are hard to trace,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer, according to the AFP.
The push for the law seems reasonable – no one wants to help dirty terrorists, right? Well, the only problem is the potential for unintended consequences. While it’s not the same situation or legislation, Mexico tried to get all of its mobile phone users to register in an attempt to quell the narcotics-related violence. The move was met with resistance and it may have even backfired as tons of private data leaked out that may wind up helping the bad guys. Besides, a criminal will be able to forge an ID if they really want to, which could neuter the effectiveness of the proposed legislation.
The move comes as the prepaid market is expected to take off in the United States. MetroPCS is growing like a weed thanks to its low-cost, no-contract plans, and Sprint has just made a major effort to go after this segment of the market. The proposed law could hinder the prepaid market because it would create additional costs for the service providers.
What do you think, readers? Is this a sensible plan or could it be an unneeded invasion of privacy?
[Via AFP]