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| The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) emphasizes the importance of SIM registration in combatting cybercrime and securing digital transactions. |
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) recently held a webinar for Local Government Unit (LGU) executives to remind the public of the importance of complying with the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Law.
The law requires telco subscribers to register their SIM cards with their personal information, such as their name, address, and government-issued ID.
During the webinar, DICT Undersecretary Anna Mae Y. Lamentillo stressed that the SIM Registration Law protects the public against cybercrime. Unregistered SIM cards can be used to conduct illegal activities such as scams, phishing, and identity theft, which can have devastating effects on victims.
Moreover, SIM registration can help secure digital transactions, making e-commerce and e-government services more accessible and efficient for Filipinos. Registered SIM cards can be used as a valid form of identification for these services, which is especially crucial for those who do not have other government-issued IDs.
However, the DICT acknowledges concerns about data privacy with SIM registration. Lamentillo assures the public that the SIM Registration Law is being implemented in conjunction with the Data Privacy Act to ensure that telcos protect the personal information collected during registration.
To improve SIM registration in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), an Inter-Agency Ad Hoc Committee was established. This committee comprises representatives from various government agencies and public telecommunication entities, including the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Education (DepEd), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the public telecommunication entities (PTEs), and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
One of the challenges in implementing the SIM Registration Law in GIDAs is the need for valid government-issued IDs. To address this issue, the DICT has tapped the DOJ to set up a one-stop shop in remote areas where the public can secure their National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearances, which they can use as a valid form of ID for SIM registration.
Despite the benefits of SIM registration, some telco subscribers are hesitant to comply due to fake websites and scams that may take advantage of them during the registration process.
To avoid falling victim to these schemes, the DICT advises the public to visit only their telco providers' official websites and be wary of suspicious text messages or calls requesting personal information.
DICT urges LGUs to help spread awareness about the importance of SIM registration to their constituents. The agency believes that the sooner Filipinos comply with the law, the sooner they can experience the protection it offers against cybercrime and its benefits for secure digital transactions. —iTacloban (Source: DICT)