“Again, not thought through”: Reader upset about having to swap SIMs

Mandatory exchanges provide plenty of topics for discussion: The new rules on SIM exchanges met with strong resistance from many readers and raised questions about their meaning and fairness. Although most users of this policy criticize the policy for being bureaucratic and an unnecessary financial burden, there are also those who criticize the role and influence of the EU. There are also voices that question the practical benefits of digitalization or react to exchange obligations with irony. Overall, skepticism towards government requirements predominated – many readers felt more constrained by bureaucracy and cost than protected by security or standardization.

Criticism of bureaucracy and costs

By far, the vast majority (the largest proportion of comments) came from the camp that views exchange requirements as unnecessary bureaucratic measures and a financial burden. About a third of commenters questioned the benefits of the new regulations and particularly criticized the 25 euro fee and the effort required to book an appointment at the office. There have been repeated calls for states or the European Union to cover the costs. Lack of digitalization and inefficient processes are also frequent targets of criticism. Most importantly, many readers saw a new business model for the authorities – and felt increasingly helpless due to repetitive paperwork requirements.

“Then why should I pay for it? You’re forced to exchange it and of course you’re asked to pay, but we’d rather give billions to the world!” For original comments

“There’s nothing like a new business model from the municipality. 25 euros for a service I’ve already paid tax for? Then there’s a fee for a biometric photo. Oh, by the way, of course you can’t do it online either.” For original comments

“This is nothing more than an effort to create jobs for civil servants. It takes money, I need an appointment with Dislantas and I have to take a day off because like 50 years ago, everything could only be arranged in the field. It’s been 20 years since people have been talking about digital traffic offices. For original comments

Skepticism about liability and validity of exchanges

Another large camp – about a fifth of comments – expressed skepticism towards the exchange terms. Many people question why a driver’s license that is at least formally unlimited needs to be replaced at all. They emphasize that driver’s licenses remain valid and consider the obligation largely ineffective. The willingness to refuse an exchange and instead risk a fine is very high among these commentators. The scarcity of checks is also often mentioned – some users plan to deliberately wait for redemption.

“According to the label, my red driver’s license is valid indefinitely. That’s why I ignored the obligation to exchange it two years ago with a clear conscience.” For original comments

“I still have my old “grey rag”, if necessary I will just pay 10 euros by check. Since I was not officially notified by private letter etc., I will do Scholz. Obligation to exchange driving license? … don’t remember, this is new for me.” For original comments

“How often do you want to send these messages? Nothing will happen if you don’t exchange messages, you can continue driving and everyone can think about how often they have been checked in recent years. Because at best there will be some palavers during the checks and in the worst case, a small fine of no less than 10 euros will have to be paid.” For original comments

Criticism of EU regulations and bureaucracy

About a quarter of readers look critically at EU regulations and view current exchange obligations as the result of European bureaucracy. Many commentators have criticized the fact that the EU intervenes more deeply in everyday life and often provides solutions that, in their view, are more costly than productive. The legitimacy of EU regulations and their benefits are openly questioned. For many, the current approach represents a general trend of increasing bureaucracy and excessive regulation.

“When I see this nonsense about exchanging driving licenses and validating them, I get angry at this EU gaffe. They should leave us alone with this nonsense about driving licenses.” For original comments

Demands for digitalization and modernization

Some readers, about a tenth of those who commented, focused on the lack of digitization in the exchange process. They criticize the fact that modern and digital alternatives such as SIM integration into applications or ID cards still do not exist. For them, this exchange represents a missed opportunity to truly reduce red tape. Frustration with the slow pace of reform and the lagging behind other countries is evident in this opinion piece.

“A few years ago there was a person who visited us from Saudi Arabia. The person had a fairly large cell phone and said that all communications and all official documents (driver’s license, ID card, etc.) were stored in an application on his device. All official procedures were carried out through this application. There would never be anything like that in Germany.” For original comments

“Instead of just digitally integrating a driver’s license into one’s identity, even via an app, which can certainly be done throughout the European Union without problems, should we give more sales to the Bundesdruckerei or what? The shop has been nationalized again, but, unlike the Federal Chancellery, the bosses there make a lot of money running numbers like this every few years, of course always because of security against counterfeiting.” For original comments

“Once again an unfinished campaign. I want my SIM in my smartphone. Not paper or plastic.” For original comments

The irony of exchange obligations and controls

A smaller proportion of comments, about five percent, used irony and sarcasm to respond to the terms of the exchange. These readers made derisive comments about the little chance of being truly controlled or ridiculed in the debate itself. They do not take the topic seriously and view its impact on daily life quietly or from a distance.

“I immediately exchanged it and a few euros didn’t hurt me. The good thing: I no longer have to carry it in a special bag so as not to make my ears dizzy. Those who don’t want to exchange it won’t live long. So the problem will solve itself naturally.” For original comments

“All car rental companies in Germany take great care to ensure that the renter has a valid driver’s license. If you show up with an older version, the vehicle will be refused. This happens to me often. But I don’t have to exchange it until 2033, so I always carry a copy of the relevant regulations.” For original comments

“I attended classes 1 and 3 since September 1967(!!), and I still have a CE from the federal government in 1971. I then exchanged it for a credit card format. During these years I had to show my FS maybe four or five times. I would have sat still, the UE could have welcomed me in the moonlight. (Incidentally, I did not renew my CE.)” For the original comment

Other sounds

Some comments cannot be attributed to a particular point of view or are off topic. They bring in humorous, irrelevant or mixed aspects without taking a clear stand on SIM swapping.

“I’m for tattoos! Wore it today and therefore acceptance is granted! On the top left of the temple there is a red circle for a car license and on the right a blue circle for a motorbike license. It lasts forever and can be easily checked at any time…” To the original comment

“The old ID card belonged to me personally. Now my wife says they canceled the old PA by cutting off one corner. It’s no longer valid because of the date! I want my old PA to remain in perfect condition. Nothing was cut off. Otherwise, there will be a report w

What do you think: Is SIM swapping a sensible measure to provide greater protection against counterfeiting or simply an unnecessary burden and cost trap for citizens? Join the discussion – we’re interested in your opinions! Share your experiences and arguments on the topic.