It looks like the government’s SIM registration system is due for an overhaul.
2 years after its conception, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) is mulling over the idea of overhauling the registration process, from an online process to an in-person registration, similar to how NBI and LTO conduct theirs.
Currently, newly bought SIM cards can only be registered online through their respective carriers. The process requires users to submit a selfie along with a valid government-issued ID. However, this process can be subject to fraudulent activities as reports of individuals selling their identities have surfaced.
Republic Act No. 11934, better known as the SIM Registration Act, was legislated as the answer to the growing number of text scams and stolen identities. The law was meant to create a database of phone numbers in the Philippines so that bad actors can be easily traced and apprehended.
However, it’s the opposite that’s currently happening. Phone scams are still on the rise, with text scams making up most of those. To address these concerns, the NTC is considering shifting to an in-person appearance to further enhance the verification process.
While we commend this plan, the SIM card carriers have a different say in the matter. Globe Telecom and Smart Communications cited feasibility concerns, claiming that the plan defeats the principle of universal access.
It remains to be seen if NTC will effect these changes in the future, but we’re definitely hoping for some action as these scams are getting out of hand.