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<p>This issue was considered in detail by an expert group comprising representatives
of law enforcement, the security and intelligence agencies and communication service
providers following the terrorist attacks in London in July 2005. The experts’ findings
remain valid. They concluded that the registration of ownership of mobile telephones
would not deliver any significant new benefits to the investigatory process.</p><p>Mobile
phones are not the only devices capable of making calls or sending messages. Many
laptops, computers, popular MP3 players and games consoles also support the sending
of messages and phone calls. These devices are increasingly being used for communications.
It would be necessary to include these other devices in any mandatory registration
scheme.</p><p>Separately, the person who buys the device is not necessarily the person
who will use it. Mobile phones are often sold or given to family members or friends
which would mean that such information would quickly become out of date.</p><p>Furthermore,
those who were keen to avoid providing details would still find ways to circumvent
the scheme, such as purchasing or registering phones under false identities.</p>
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