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From memory, you could get a prepaid SIM without an ID well after 9/11. I think it was introduced to get rid of burner phone SIMs back when SMS was still a thing.

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wait y'all can't get burner phones in aus? how do y'all make private phone calls or send private text messages if you can't dispose of the number after?

Most countries in the world require some form of ID to activate a new SIM card. The justification is usually that "burner phones are for terrorists and criminals". In US, for example, Faisal Shahzad is often cited as an example.

https://www.comparitech.com/blog/vpn-privacy/sim-card-regist...

US Senate tried to pass a similar law back in 2010. Bill sponsors were Chuck Schumer and John Cornyn, in case you ever see those names on your ballot.

damn, i'm really sorry for y'all, that's authoritarian ash ngl. i hope y'all's laws get fixed and thanks for calling out schumer and cornyn.

Imagine if people could talk to each other without the government knowing. Complete anarchy!

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