Criticisms on the Failure of SIM Card Registration Law to Put a Stop to Cybercrime
The supposed failure of the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card registration law to curb cybercrime has faced severe criticism. However, recent data shows a decline in text scams since the law took effect in July. Secretary Ivan Uy of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) stated that he used to receive about six or seven text message scams per day, but now only receives one every two or three days. The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) also confirms this decrease in text scams.
The PNP-ACG has been monitoring various cybercrime cases and found that online scams have become the most prevalent type of cybercrime. This reflects the changing landscape of digital threats. Along with online scams, illegal access, computer-related identity theft, ATM and credit card fraud, threats, data interference, anti-photo and video voyeurism, and computer-related scams are also common cybercrimes in the country. A recent example of a cybercrime is the ransomware attack on the PhilHealth website.
The PNP-ACG Director, Brig. Gen. Sidney Hernia, revealed that perpetrators often use popular social media platforms, payment, messaging and selling apps, and websites to carry out their criminal activities. This surge in cybercrimes can be attributed to the increased reliance on the internet for commercial activities. Data from the DICT shows that 83 percent of Filipinos use the internet, with users in the Philippines spending more than 10 hours online per day on average. Filipinos are also known to be the “most virtually social” in the world.
Efforts to combat cybercrimes should be directed towards educating potential victims. Just as a pond full of fish attracts many fishermen, a society heavily reliant on the internet attracts a large number of online scammers. Lack of technological awareness and knowledge on staying secure online make these victims easy targets. Adequate laws already exist to prosecute cybercriminals, and the government is working on providing new equipment and technical personnel to the PNP-ACG. Congress is also considering relaxing the bank secrecy law, which currently hinders the prosecution of cybercriminals.
However, the key to resolving cybercrimes lies in educating potential victims. A joint effort between the government, financial institutions, and mobile wallet providers is necessary to conduct widespread information and awareness campaigns against online scams. Focus should be placed on “click the link” scams that target mobile wallets and online banking customers, as these schemes often result in the transfer of funds to scammers’ accounts. Consumers need to be cautious when dealing with money matters online and take advantage of the available resources on cybercrime prevention provided by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the DICT, and banks.
By dedicating a fraction of the time spent on social media to educating themselves about cybercrimes, Filipinos can protect their privacy and financial assets. It is important to remember that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and individuals need to be suspicious of suspicious activities online, just as parents teach their children to be cautious of strangers. By staying informed and vigilant, Filipinos can avoid falling victim to online scammers and ensure their online safety.
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