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SIM Cards Must Now Be Registered With Telcos in the Philippines

By Aiko TanakaPhilippines
1 min read
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Mobile phone users in the Philippines must now register their SIM cards with their telecom provider after the country’s President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., signed into law the SIM Card Registration Act.

According to the official dispatch, the new measure aims to promote accountability in the use of SIM cards and help law enforcement to track those involved in crimes committed through mobile phones.

Under the new law, all public telecommunications entities or direct sellers must require the SIM card user to show a valid identification document with a photo.

The registered SIM card details will not be disclosed unless the user authorizes access to his information.

Law enforcement agencies that conduct probes on purported crimes committed through phones may also submit a written request to telco firms to disclose the details of the SIM card holder.

The two telecom giants in the Philippines, Globe Telecom and PLDT Group, had previously expressed support for this measure, saying they would be helping the government in preventing crimes committed electronically.

The law consolidates the bills approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Questions & Answers

Q.

What is the primary goal of the new SIM Card Registration Act?

A.

The new law aims to increase accountability for SIM card use and assist law enforcement in tracking individuals involved in crimes committed via mobile phones. This measure was officially dispatched to tackle electronic criminal activity.

Q.

Who must register their SIM cards under the new legislation?

A.

All mobile phone users in the Philippines are now required to register their SIM cards with their respective telecom providers. Public telecommunications entities and direct sellers are responsible for requiring this registration.

Q.

When can a SIM card holder's registration details be disclosed?

A.

The registered SIM card details will not be disclosed without the user's explicit authorization. However, law enforcement agencies investigating alleged phone-related crimes may submit a written request to telco firms for the details.

Q.

Which specific telecom companies have supported this new measure?

A.

The two major telecom providers in the Philippines, Globe Telecom and PLDT Group, had previously voiced their support for the SIM Card Registration Act. They stated their commitment to helping the government prevent electronically committed crimes.

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