1.4.10. Council conclusions on the tracing of the use of prepaid mobile telephone cards, in order to facilitate criminal investigations.

References:
Council resolution on the lawful interception of telecommunications: OJ C 329, 4.11.1996
Directive 2002/58/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector (directive on privacy and electronic communications): OJ L 201, 31.7.2002; Bull. 7/8-2002, point 1.3.90

Adopted on 8 May. Reiterating that the implementation of communications interception measures must respect the right to privacy laid down in Member States' national laws and in Directive 2002/58/EC, the Council points out that prepaid telephone cards, used anonymously, constitute an attractive means of communication for individuals and organisations pursuing illegal ends. Considering such use to be contrary to the principles of its resolution on the lawful interception of telecommunications, the Council recommends that Member States consider a set of appropriate requirements for tracing the use of prepaid card technology in connection with organised crime, paying particular attention to current technological progress in this field.