In a paper submitted to the Legislative Council, the government also called for new penalties for misuse of SIM cards under the Telecommunications Ordinance. HK$25,000 (US$3,185) fines and up to a year in prison await those who improperly use cards registered under another person’s information without authorisation. Holding 10 or more cards registered under other people’s information without authorisation or reasonable justification would also be considered an offence, with users presumed to have the intention of engaging in criminal activities.
Industry representatives have justified the practice in cases where companies get cards for staff or where multiple lines are needed for systems testing. Loss of privacy with tightened laws is also a legitimate concern.
Currently, there is no upper limit on the number of registrable service plan cards which involve monthly payments. Since September 2021, the city has required real-name SIM card registration for all users. As of May, more than 4.8 million prepaid cards were rejected for lack of such information.
The figures indicate a cause for concern. With telecoms fraud so widespread, there are understandable calls for action. Laws to curb SIM card fraud are worth pursuing as long as rules and enforcement are balanced to safeguard rights, including individual privacy.
