Cell phone users will have to register their SIM cards within 18 months. This is as a result of a new law, announced by Justice Minister Jeff Radebe, which came into effect on 1 July 2009.

This is a government initiative which aims to combat cell phone-related crime in South Africa. Service providers need to register and verify the details of new SIM card users before the SIM card is activated, and current cell phone subscribers need to have their details registered and verified by the end of 2010.

This new law has resulted in a heated debate across the country since it came into effect a few days ago. Consumers are saying that their rights to privacy will be violated, and feel that the information that will become accessible to the police will fail to combat cell phone crime.

What are your thoughts?

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