SIM Card Registration Act Allows Authorities To Access User Info
SIM CARD REGISTRATION ACT – Mobile phones offer a way for people to connect and communicate. However, it could also be used for crimes.
That is one of the reasons why the SIM card registration act was proposed. The bill would allow authorities to extract information from a mobile prepaid subscriber whose phone was potentially used in a crime.
House Bill No. 5793 would require the registration of prepaid mobile SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards in an attempt to prevent usage of phones to commit crimes.
According to an article from Inquirer, its provisions stated that information about a subscriber could be disclosed to authorities. All they would need is a subpoena or court order.
However, the proposal would still introduce privacy safety in the form of a confidentiality clause. This states that any information in the SIM card shall be considered as “absolutely confidential”.
But, if the subscriber gives his written consent, then the information could be disclosed. Still, authorities could gain access to the SIM card’s info if there is reason to believe it is used for illegal activity.
The bill was endorsed in December for plenary consideration. Tarlac Rep. Victor Yap and Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriquez were the sponsors of the SIM Card Registration Act.
Under the proposal, the new prepaid mobile users are required to register their SIM cards to the Public Telecommunications Entity (PTE). A valid ID is needed to be able to register.
The following forms of identification are acceptable:
- Passport
- Driver’s License
- National ID
- Voter’s ID
- Senior Citizens Card
- Other Valid ID
In addition, the following information of mobile subscribers will be encoded in the registry:
- Full name
- Date of Birth
- Gender
- Address (as they appear in your government-issued ID with photo)
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