That is not true for Spain. Since the attacks on 11-M 2014 in Madrid, it is mandatory to provide in the local shop your National ID card or passport to activate any SIM card. But the verification is done by the shop attendant.
Anyway, I do think it is pointless as there are plenty of ways to get a SIM card anonymously: buy it in other country, steal it, buy it from somebody, clone it...
Anyway, I do think it is pointless as there are plenty of ways to get a SIM card anonymously: buy it in other country, steal it, buy it from somebody, clone it...