Digital rights activitist, Ngwain Colbert Facebook
A digital rights activist in Cameroon, Ngwain Colbert has condemned a recent decision taken by the government, sanctioning three internet service providers for selling pre-registered sim cards, sale of sim cards by road corners, reactivation of phone numbers’ without prior identification, and ownership of more than three sim cards by a single private person.
To Mr.Ngwain, it is a direct attack on access to internet principle. Mandatory SIM card registration. According to the activist, is a means for repressive regimes to stifle citizens unconditional enjoyment of cheap access to the internet as prescribed by the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Association and peaceful assembly online.
He blasted the decision saying that although state authorities explained that it was for the purpose of maintaining security that the a decree was passed by the Prime Minister, it wouldn’t solve the rise in criminal activities in Cameroon.
“Charging MTN, Orange and Nexxtel to pay fines ranging from 1-1.5 billions simply because they ease access to Internet to low income earners is an assault on freedom of speech and expression…..Hiding behind a Prime Minister's text that stipulates the mandatory registration of SIM cards and limiting the number of SIM cards per person to three is ridiculous”, he said.
According to the activists, countries who tried to curb crime through same mandatory SIM cards registration process, ended up abandoning because it was a failure.
“ Check with countries that did that before Cameroon and see whether crime has reduced in those countries. DRC for example has a more rigorous mandatory system, yet crime is on the increase there. Mexico tried the system. It failed and they were forced to repeal the law, added Mr.Ngwain
“Does Governments need mandatory registration to control crime? The lone means of communication cannot be tied to a persons personal identity”, he continued.
However, some persons have reproached the activist for what they termed downplaying government’s efforts at reducing crimes. They argue they under no circumstance can anyone explain why an individual would be using over nine SIM cards from the three internet service providers in Cameroon.
Last week, the Director of Cameroon’s telecom regulator, Philémon Zo'o Zame, slammed FCFA 3.5 billion on MTN Cameroon, Orange Cameroon and Nexttel.
MTN and Nexttel were fined FCFA 1 billion each while Orange was fined FCFA 1.5 billion.
A communique on their sanctions stated that following repeated breeches of a Prime Ministerial decree of September 3, 2015, setting the terms and conditions for subscribers and terminals’ identification.
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