In popular culture, a “burner” phone is a pre-paid cell phone which can be “purchased without providing a name or Social Security number.” Also known as a “dope” phone, it is typically a low-cost disposable device purchased with cash, without a contract, and, therefore, which has no “subscriber” or “owner” information associated with it. In contrast, phones purchased on a contract or lock-in basis require the submission of identity and basic contact information to the service provider for billing and related purposes…
Missed Connections? Evaluating the Global Spread and Legality of Mandatory SIM Registration in a Modern National Security Context
- June 14, 2021
- by Tarun Krishnakumar

The author is an attorney admitted to practice law in the United States (California) and in India. He received his legal education from leading institutions schools in both jurisdictions and has experience advising private and public stakeholders on emerging issues centered around technology, security, regulation, and public policy. He is also a Certified Information Privacy Professional (for Asia and Europe) and a provisionally licensed ISO:27001:2013 au- ditor. It may be noted that this article was finalized in early 2020, prior to the issuance of the decision of European Court of Human Rights in Breyer v. Germany (Application no. 50001/12), which addressed certain issues relating to the legality of SIM card registration requirements. However, the decision does not significantly alter the scheme of analysis or conclusions contained in Part III(c) infra. All views expressed are personal.
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