A recent study by the World Bank has revealed a concerning trend in the mobile phone industry. According to the report, 23% of mobile phone owners have SIM cards registered in someone else’s name. This issue is particularly prevalent in low- and middle-income economies, where various factors contribute to this phenomenon.
The World Bank identifies several reasons behind this trend. In some cases, people may use second-hand phones or devices handed down from family members or friends without replacing the SIM card. Additionally, in some communities, one family member may purchase multiple SIM cards on behalf of others and distribute them. This practice can lead to a significant number of SIM cards being registered in names other than the actual user’s.
The study highlights significant regional disparities in SIM card registration. In some sub-Saharan African economies, including the Comoros, the Republic of Congo, Morocco, and Tanzania, as well as in Jordan and Nepal, more than 40% of mobile phone owners have SIM cards registered in someone else’s name. Furthermore, adults in these regions often report a lack of identification as a barrier to purchasing a SIM card or mobile phone, which can exacerbate income and gender disparities.
The World Bank’s report also raises concerns about digital security. According to the study, 40% of phone users do not have passwords on their devices, while 19% of mobile phone owners report that someone else sets rules about when and how they use their devices. This is particularly concerning in regions where women phone owners are more likely to be subject to someone else’s rules about their phone use. For example, in the Middle East and North Africa, women phone owners are twice as likely as men with phones to have rules imposed on them.
The World Bank’s findings have significant implications for the global digital economy. As mobile phones become increasingly essential for daily life, ensuring that SIM cards are registered in the user’s name is crucial for digital security and financial inclusion. The report’s findings highlight the need for policymakers and mobile network operators to address these issues and promote responsible SIM card registration practices.
