Refile and pass the SIM Card Registration bill
Press Release: CitizenWatch Philippines urges the members of the 19th Congress to pass a new version of the SIM Card Registration Act and for the President to certify this as urgent
Earlier this year in the waning days of the previous administration, former President Duterte vetoed the bill even as it had been passed by both Houses of the 18th Congress.
Registration of SIM cards will protect consumers from cyber-goons and criminals operating scams, unsolicited, indecent or obscene messages, bank fraud, libel, anonymous online defamation, trolling, terrorism, and the spread of digital disinformation or fake news.
There has been a marked increase in text scams where unsuspecting users are fooled into divulging sensitive personal information to those who use these to drain money from victim’s accounts.
We need this law because of the proliferation of scammers, fraudsters, trolls and disinformation agents who are emboldened by anonymity to do their dark deeds. The fake identities of cybercriminals and trolls allow them to operate wantonly with no fear of being apprehended. Unsuspecting consumers are easy targets of their sophisticated modus-operandi.
Our lawmakers need to step in and correct this anonymity shield abetting criminal activity. Too many Filipinos are falling prey to these fraudsters and online goons. Technology should make our lives better, not worse.
Requiring the registration of SIM cards establishes the identity of users and makes them accountable for everything that they do with their account. That, then, deters perpetrators from committing cybercrimes because they can no longer hide behind false identities.
When SIM cards – which are linked to social media accounts – are registered, those victimizing online shoppers and those fueling confusion, hate and disinformation will know that they can be traced and prosecuted.
Congress must act with urgency on this important measure to protect our citizens from the relentless attack of cybercriminals.
Statement by Atty. Tim Abejo, Co-convenor, CitizenWatch Philippines
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