PLDT mobile arm Smart Communications is throwing its weight behind an attempt to revitalise SIM registrations in the Philippines, despite the proposed law being vetoed by Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte.
The law has been given new life with the senate president announcing plans to override the veto in congress. Smart stated it would bring its expertise to ensure consumer protection if the law passes, reported the Philippines Star.
PLDT chairman Manuel Pangilinan said the company is backing the measure as it will fast-track new technologies such as ecommerce and digital payments.
However, he noted there is a challenge in privacy concerns. “I know there will be issues related to privacy and so forth and so on, but not everything is perfect, right? Technology is not (an) unblemished blessing. There will be risks. There will always be risks attendant to new things,” said Pangilinan.
“We still are hoping that we will find a way to get the SIM cards registered. That’s important not only for our business but also for Filipinos in general. There will be compelling benefits.”
The SIM Card Registration Act if pushed through, would require telecommunication companies to register every SIM activated and sold. SIM cards already on networks would need to be registered within 18 0 days of the law coming into effect, or face deactivation.
Social media accounts would also need to be registered with a valid ID under the new law.
