this post was submitted on 26 Jun 2026
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Privacy
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In Germany, there has been an identity verification requirement for prepaid SIM cards since 2017. Despite this law, many retail outlets do not carry out the check or sell already registered SIMs that are often issued in someone else's name. The smaller and more dubious the shop is, the higher the likelihood of it happening. Via these channels, one can usually obtain SIM cards only from small providers (MVNOs) who have leased network capacity on other networks. This loophole exists because there are many people who do not possess identification documents but still need a mobile contract for making calls or communicating.
Not only in Germany, in almost the whole EU is needed (officaly) an ID for it.
Correct.it's been many years gone a requirement in Italy too.