The Latvian government is preparing to introduce a ban on unregistered prepaid SIM cards starting from October 1, pending approval from the Saeima. During a government meeting, ministers from the Green and Farmers' Union (ZZS) expressed concerns regarding potential violations of citizen rights that could arise from the enforcement of such changes. The ZZS anticipates extensive discussions when the legislation reaches the Saeima, indicating that this issue will attract significant public and political attention.

The proposed amendments will modify the Electronic Communications Law, introducing a requirement for electronic communications companies to identify users when they enter into contracts for prepaid services. This means that users will have to provide personal identification details, including their name, date of birth, personal code, or, in the case of legal entities, the name and registration number. This measure is intended to enhance security and traceability in telecommunications but raises questions about privacy and data protection for consumers.

In addition, the amendments obligate electronic communications companies to retain these identification details along with the associated SIM card connection number. Furthermore, electronic communications providers would be prohibited from offering prepaid intermediary communication services using unregistered numbers. These changes reflect the government's effort to regulate telecommunications more strictly, aiming to prevent misuse and protect citizens, but they also necessitate a careful balance between security measures and individual privacy rights.