PREPAID CARDS

Prepaid cellphones are popular amongst those who do not have the budget for regular monthly data plans but who still need the use of a mobile as they don’t have to worry about the bill coming in.

However, because it isn’t easy to identify who is using a prepaid mobile phone, these anonymous devices are also popular with terrorists and anyone conducting dodgy deals.

Now two senators have come out and said that it would be beneficial if we could track exactly who is using these phones and they give a number of reasons why.

Senators Charles E. Schumer and John Cornyn, want to see new legislation that will force customers buying a prepaid phone to provide details of their identity and that this information should be kept by carriers for a period of 18 months.

“This proposal is overdue because for years, terrorists, drug kingpins and gang members have stayed one step ahead of the law by using prepaid phones that are hard to trace,” said Schumer.

The pair highlighted how Faisal Shahzad used a prepaid mobile to arrange the purchase of a vehicle and fireworks intended for bombing Times Square and had also used the prepaid phone to make calls to his associates in Pakistan.

The thing is, Shahzad had given personal information to the vendor when buying the phone, which ultimately enabled the authorities to track him and some others down and thwart their attempts.

“We caught a break in catching the Times Square terrorist, but usually a prepaid cell phone is a dead end for law enforcement. There’s no reason why it should still be this easy for terror plotters to cover their tracks” said Schumer.

The Senators also mention the largest insider trading bust in US history which happened last year. Rogue traders had used prepaid phones in order to evade possible wiretaps and one suspect actually chewed through the sim card used in the phone in order to destroy all possible evidence.

“While most Americans use pre-paid mobile devices lawfully, the anonymous nature of these devices gives too much cover to individuals looking to use them for deviant, dangerous means,” said Senator John Cornyn

However, not everyone agrees, as some civil liberties advocates maintain that there should still be a way for anonymous communications to take place.

For example, if an individual wanted to report a crime they might be less inclined to do so if their call could identify them.