The Parliament of Cyprus passed a law on identifying prepaid mobile users

On Thursday evening, the Parliament of the Republic of Cyprus passed a law allowing the identification of users of prepaid mobile phone SIM cards. Twenty-five deputies voted in favor of the initiative, fourteen were against it, and one parliamentarian abstained.

The author of the bill was parliament member from the DIPA party, Marinos Moushiouttas, who recalled that the first similar proposal was introduced as far back as 2009.

According to the deputy, the ability to identify users of prepaid SIM cards, which will no longer enjoy anonymity, will enable the police to more effectively investigate crimes.

Earlier, the bill underwent review by the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection.

Several deputies expressed opposition to the initiative. Arguments were made that state authorities already have the ability to monitor individuals at any time, and examples were given of the existence of numerous applications that allow mobile phone users to remain anonymous.