Sufficient privacy safeguards in SIM Card Registration Act ensured

(AFP file photo)

MANILA, Philippines — Several senators on Monday hailed the signing into law of the SIM Card Registration Act and assured the public of enough safeguards in the new law to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of information provided by mobile phone users.

Senator Grace Poe, the chairperson of the Senate committee on public services who sponsored the measure in the Senate, said legislators “worked hard” to pass the legislation, which she described as a “crucial first step to fend off text scammers while guaranteeing utmost respect to fundamental human rights.”

“The law has instituted sufficient safeguards that accord primacy to consumers’ right to privacy to ensure a safe and secure mobile use in the country,” she said.

“Any information obtained in SIM (subscriber identity module) registration will be treated as confidential and cannot be disclosed, except in compliance with any law authorizing such disclosure or in adherence to a court order or legal process upon finding of probable cause,” Poe added.

She added that breach of data and violation of the law will be meted with “heavy penalties.”

Senator JV Ejercito thanked Marcos for signing the new law and commended his colleagues for the legislation, pointing out that they have fallen victim to text scams.

“We assure the public that we will be closely monitoring the implementation of this Act. We will ensure that the fears and anxieties of some groups about this Act will not materialize,” he said in a separate statement.

With the signing of the measure, Senator Jinggoy Estrada said the Philippines will now be among the growing number of countries mandating SIM card registration.

Estrada, one of the bill’s authors in the Senate, said it is “imperative” that the country has laws that are “more attuned to the times and the needs of society.”

 gsg/abc