I searched for the law. They need a photo id for a new phone number to reduce phone scams. I think it is good.
Not to be paranoid, but you really created a HN account just to add this comment?
BTW, those spammers aren't sitting there on cell phones making calls.
The damage of punishing someone innocent is orders of magnitude greater than the benefit (or pleasure) of scourging villains, so please err on the side of being a welcoming community member. The last thing HN needs is to stew in its own juices with "Keep Out" signs nailed to the clubhouse everywhere.