In our penal code, in the section of IT crimes, IT systems are referred to as "systems that can automatically process information". So, a computer, or mobile phone fits very well into this definition.
However, when it comes to SIM cards men of law are confused and can not agree on if or not a SIM card is actually an system that can automaticall process information. So, they ask our opinion. Is a SIM card a system that can automatically process information?
To me, it mostly seems yes, as a SIM card can hold and process information so it lies within the definition, however some others say that a SIM card is just a holder of information and it can not aumotically process data by itself.
From this point of view, even a computer is not a system that can automitcally process information, is it?
At the lowest level SIM card is a type of smart card which has got a microprocessor and it has predefined set of commands for retrieval and update of information.
Hence in my views, it perfectly fits under category of information processing system
"systems that can automatically process information".
So long as your legal definition "automatically" doesn't require the SIM/USIM to have its own power supply, GUI, keypad etc then a SIM/USIM is a system and can automatically process information in response to commands sent to it and to action responses.
SIM/USIM has micro-electronic computer architecture consisting ROM, RAM, Flash, CPU, Memory (Flash) and input/output interface/s. The definition you provide Yunus might also cover for special issue cards (ICC/UICC) having RF interfaces etc. This is, of course, a brief definition, but if you need more technical, factual information then send an email and let me know.
I added the image below if it helps to visually comprehend (in an abstract form) how a UICC's system can be defined by its various information sharing platforms that make use of the physical computer architecture.
Thank you, I completely agree.
At the lowest level SIM card is a type of smart card which has got a microprocessor and it has predefined set of commands for retrieval and update of information.
Of course, this is also true of many USB flash devices, as well as most disk drives where the logic board contains a microprocessor and its own set of commands which can be executed outside the host computer.
It is also true of many popular toys, home appliances, etc.
Today few digital "storage" devices are truly just storage devices and many consumer products are controlled by dedicated computers.
That is one problem with the law which often does a poor job of understanding or keeping pace with technology (e.g. the "RAM Copy Doctrine" in the US).
