The law on intercepting and monitoring electronic communications took effect on 30 June after years in the pipeline. A small chapter in the document looks likely to pose major headaches for service providers, retailers and even cellphone users, especially if the law is amended as proposed.

Lance Michalson and Mike Silber, of Michalsons ICT Attorneys, note that in line with the Regulation of Interception and Provision of Communication-related Information Act of 2005 (RICA), service providers must register all new cellphone subscribers.