Two years of SIM registration: Strengthening partnerships against fraud

As the SIM Registration Act marks its second anniversary, it is timely to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that remain. This landmark legislation was designed to curb the proliferation of SIM-aided scams, ensuring safer digital interactions for all Filipinos.

As of the third quarter of this year, the country’s three mobile players have declared a total 133.5 million subscribers—all of which have registered SIMs. But amid public compliance, fraudsters continue to adapt and innovate to circumvent the law. The fight against fraud is far from over.

Telecommunications companies have taken their responsibilities under the law seriously, working tirelessly to implement the mandated processes. They have developed secure registration portals within short timelines, implemented robust filtering systems, and regularly updated their platforms to address user concerns.

Even before SIM registration was implemented, telcos have also been proactively filtering out spam and scam SMS. For one, leading telco and digital solutions platform Globe blocked 761.5 million spam and scam messages from January to September 2024, including 4.64 million bank-related SMS.

Globe also deactivated 8,351 SIMs and blacklisted 61,078 more within the same period for links to fraudulent activity via reports on its Stop Spam portal.

Despite these efforts, scam messages persist— a reality that no single entity can fully eliminate. Fraudsters exploit human error, outdated enforcement mechanisms, and technological loopholes to evade detection.

This persistence of scams has unfortunately led to misplaced frustration. Telcos are often criticized for the shortcomings of SIM registration, with many forgetting that these companies are allies, not adversaries, in the fight against fraud. The real enemies are the fraudsters themselves. Losing sight of this allows bad actors to flourish and detracts from efforts to build a safer digital ecosystem.

To fully realize the potential of the SIM Registration Act, fostering stronger collaboration among all stakeholders— government, law enforcement, the public, and telcos— is essential. These key steps can help drive meaningful progress:

Stringent Law Enforcement

The SIM Registration Act is only as strong as its enforcement. Fraudsters must face real consequences— arrests, prosecutions, and convictions. Without this, the lawremains a deterrent in theory but toothless in practice. It is imperative for law enforcement to dedicate resources to tracking down these criminals and dismantling their operations.

A Partnership, Not a Blame Game

Government agencies, telcos, and consumers must work hand in hand to ensure the law’s success. The public should recognize that telecommunications companies are deeply invested in protecting their customers and have introduced safeguards to minimize fraud risks. Telcos, for instance, consistently reminds users to register only through its official platforms, avoid third-party assistance, and remain vigilant against tampered SIMs or scams involving pre-registered SIMs.

Public Vigilance and Compliance

Consumers are the first line of defense against scams. Telcos have repeatedly emphasized that safe SIM registration practices are a shared responsibility. Simple precautions— such as registering only on verified platforms, avoiding pre-registered SIMs, and rejecting offers to register SIMs on someone else’s behalf— can go a long way in creating a safer digital environment.

No Room for Complacency

Telcos continue to improve their systems and processes, but they cannot tackle all challenges in the SIM registration process alone. Rather than undermining their efforts with undue criticism, the focus should shift towards strengthening partnerships. By working together, stakeholders can identify gaps in the system and implement solutions that benefit everyone.

The anniversary of the SIM Registration Act is not just a milestone; it’s a reminder of the collective effort needed to combat fraud. Let’s not lose sight of the real goal: protecting Filipinos from scammers who prey on their vulnerabilities. With the government, law enforcement, telcos, and the public united, we can transform the vision of the SIM Registration Act into reality— a safer, more secure digital environment for all.