Protesters in the Philippines are expressing concerns over the mandatory registration of SIM cards, arguing that it violates individuals’ privacy and right to information. The registration process, which was implemented following the passage of the Mandatory SIM Card Registration Act in October 2022, requires all mobile phone users and foreigners to register their SIM cards as a countermeasure against phone-related crimes.
Despite authorities’ claims that registration will help combat text message spam, phone scams, and other unwanted messages, opponents of the law are worried that it will create a black market for registered SIM cards and enable mass surveillance. A petition has been filed with the Supreme Court, asserting that the law infringes on the right to privacy and deprives individuals of protection against unreasonable search and seizure.
As of September 3, approximately 119 million SIM cards have already been registered in the Philippines, surpassing the country’s population of 110 million. This discrepancy has raised suspicions that some users may be registering multiple SIM cards, likely for illicit activities. Police operations have led to the confiscation of tens of thousands of previously registered SIM cards, potentially explaining the continued occurrence of text message scams.
Since the implementation of the SIM card registration law, there has been an increasing number of cases involving text and phone fraud. Screenshots of spam messages are being shared on social media, further raising concerns about the effectiveness of the registration process.
Telecommunication operators have been criticized for improper verification of registration information. As evidence, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) registered cartoon character images and fake identity documents, including Bart Simpson and Monkey D. Luffy, as part of demonstrations. These cases have sparked anger among lawmakers, who are demanding stricter penalties and additional measures to prevent false registrations.
While some lawmakers support amending the regulations to require a live selfie photo as a registration requirement, others argue that the focus should be on enforcing existing laws and prosecuting fraudsters. Digital rights activists warn against introducing additional provisions that may infringe on privacy and citizens’ rights.
In conclusion, mandatory SIM card registration in the Philippines has raised concerns about privacy infringement and the emergence of a black market for registered SIM cards. While the law aims to combat phone-related crimes, its effectiveness and enforcement are questionable. Lawmakers propose additional measures, including harsher penalties and fees for registering multiple SIM cards, but digital rights activists emphasize the need to protect privacy and individual rights in these actions.
