Cellphone users will now have to register by name and present formal identification when setting up an account or buying a new phone number, state media reported. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) said the new rules are part of the government’s efforts to prevent spam, pornographic messages and rampant fraud through the network. Under the new rules, newspaper stands will also be banned from selling SIM cards. Some concerns have been raised over privacy issues, however. The anonymity that protects fraudsters and spammers also allows mobile phone users to freely share information without fear of recrimination. State media reports noted that ID registration for cellphones is required in neighboring India, Japan, Singapore and Australia.
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