In 2017, Lithuania first proposed compulsory registration of prepaid SIM cards. However, although the bill was passed at that time, there were still some loopholes. This month, the Lithuanian legislative branch blocked the loopholes and has considered and passed an amendment to the Electronic Communications Law. This amendment will take effect on January 1, 2025.
Prepaid SIM cards are the kind of mobile phone cards that can be purchased at convenience stores, newsstands, and small supermarkets. The card itself contains a balance and can be used after being inserted into the mobile phone without any authentication.
Therefore, such prepaid SIM cards are also used in various criminal activities, including telecommunications fraud.
The amendment introduced by the Lithuanian legislative department has been passed. The amendment requires that all SIM prepaid services can only be provided to people who provide their full name, personal ID number, and address. If they are businesses, they need to submit their company name and registration number. These prepaid SIM cards can only be used normally after completing the registration.
This amendment only affects prepaid SIM cards purchased after the amendment takes effect. That is, prepaid SIM cards purchased before January 1, 2025 will maintain the previous policy and do not need to provide complete registration information to the prepaid SIM service provider.