The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) of the Philippines is evaluating a proposal to mandate in-person SIM card registration as part of efforts to strengthen the existing SIM Card Registration Act and combat rising text scams. The initiative follows the recent arrest of a Malaysian syndicate leader who had been orchestrating sophisticated SMS fraud operations in the country.
Under the current system implemented through Republic Act No. 11934, individuals can register their SIM cards online using selfie verification, a technology that has become increasingly common in digital identity verification systems. However, the NTC has identified weaknesses in this approach, noting that scammers have found ways to circumvent the online registration process, including paying individuals to sell their identities for registration purposes.
The proposed in-person registration requirement would add an additional security layer to the verification process. The NTC has already submitted proposed amendments to the SIM Registration Act to both the House of Representatives and Senate, including provisions that would grant the agency authority to regulate and potentially limit the number of SIM cards an individual can own.
Major telecommunications providers Smart and Globe have implemented their own measures to address fraudulent messages. Smart Communications has announced plans to launch three new anti-scam services in 2025, while Globe Telecom has been actively combating SMS spoofing attacks that have targeted high-profile individuals.
The proposal has sparked significant discussion among industry experts. Marvin Tort, former managing editor of BusinessWorld and former chairman of the Philippine Press Council, has raised important considerations about similar registration requirements, noting potential implications for data security and privacy.
Alternative approaches being considered by experts include enhanced media literacy programs and increased collaboration with social media platforms to improve content moderation and transparency in digital communications.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen digital identity verification in the Philippines, including the rollout of the national digital ID system and the development of mobile ID capabilities. The NTC continues to evaluate various measures to enhance the security of mobile communications while addressing practical implementation challenges.
Sources: Backend News, Business World, Malaya Business Insight, ABS-CBN News, Manila Standard
Follow Us