FBI backs record-keeping on prepaid cell phones

Tools

By Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — FBI Director Robert Mueller has endorsed anti-terrorism legislation that would require prepaid cell-phone sellers to keep records of buyers' identities.

The bill sponsored by Sens. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., and John Cornyn, R-Texas, would require purchasers to present identification at the point of sale.

At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Mueller said the bureau would be very supportive of such a reporting requirement and that it would be essential to the success of investigations.

Prepaid cell phones have long been used by drug dealers who want to mask their identities, and more recently have been used by alleged terrorists, most prominently by the defendant, Faisal Shahzad, in the recent Times Square bombing attempt.

Tech Blogs

Icon
Current Temp 50.0 °F
Overcast
More Weather

Upload directly from your mobile device.

Learn how

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

On Demand

POLL: Extreme Katie's Next Adventure

What sport should Extreme Katie try next?
Learn More : Share Thoughts

  • Dog sledding
  • Sword fighting
  • Snowmobiling
  • It's 'snow machining'!