A network of digital advocates said today that enforcing the law to its fullest extent is the key to curbing SIM-based crimes.
Digital Pinoys national campaigner Ronald Gustilo said that while the proposed amendments of Senator Win Gatchalian to the SIM registration law is good, the key to addressing the problem will always be a good law enforcement.
“We welcome the proposed amendments of Senator Win Gatchalian. But in the end, law enforcement agencies should be well-equipped and be able to do their job with regard to SIM-based cybercrimes because even if the law is strong, without proper enforcement, it will be nothing.”
Senator Win Gatchalian earlier said that the amendments include limiting the number of allowed SIMs that can be registered per user and regulating Short Message Service (SMS) marketing, promotional, political or fundraising sent through SIMs.
“Even if the government sets a limit to the number of SIMs that an individual or a business entity may own, the cyber criminals will just purchase more registered SIMs via black market vendors. They will even resort to identity theft just to secure more registered SIMs. These loopholes should be addressed by the amendments by introducing stiffer penalties and ensuring that law enforcement agencies will be able to stop these illegal activities.”
Gustilo also said that cybercriminals have also maximized messaging apps and have also returned to email messages to continue their nefarious activities.
“The government should also address reports that messaging platforms such as iMessage for iOS users, telegram, Viber and other messaging platforms are now being used by scammers. While it may not be covered by the SIM registration law, the government should prepare so that it will be addressed before it becomes a full-blown crisis like spam and scam texts all over again.”
