RICA amendments under discussion
Parliament is currently discussing amendments to the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act (RICA), which would oblige anyone who sells a cellphone or SIM card to a non-family member to immediately notify a telecommunication service provider of the transaction.
The amendments aim to tighten up RICA and ensure that, ultimately, all users of cellphones can be identified. According to the BuaNews report, the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development is currently working through the amendments, which are aimed largely at getting service providers to speed up the recording, storing and verification of the identities of their network customers. Similar legislation is in the process of being passed, or has already been passed, in an increasing number of countries as authorities around the world move to tighten up avenues of communications in an attempt to clamp down on criminal activity. Full BuaNews report