The Right to Be Forgotten in The Context of Mobile Number Recycling

Abstract: Mobile phone number recycling, the process of reassigning deactivated numbers to new users after a designated period, is a necessary practice for managing the limited pool of available numbers in the face of growing demand. While efficient for mobile network operators, this process can leave residual links between the recycled number and its previous owner’s digital footprint. These leftover risks can lead to the new owner receiving calls, messages, or notifications intended for the former owner of such mobile numbers, creating issues relating to privacy and security, such as identity theft and fraud. The aim of this work is to review security and regulatory provisions relating to mobile phone recycling, identifying gaps and proffering solutions to further protect privacy in this aspect.