The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has directed mobile phone manufacturers, distributors and dealers to provide solutions and implement measures to protect mobile phone users against text scams.
NTC issued Memorandum Order 006-09-2022 issued on Wednesday, Sept. 14 after meeting with mobile phone representatives in the country to discuss measures to protect mobile phone users from text scams.
Under the memorandum, the mobile phone representatives are direct to provide direction to their mobile phone users on how to block texts from mobile numbers not in their contact lists and how to create a spam folder in their inboxes.
These directions shall be disseminated through the manufacturer’s websites and social media accounts.
These firms are also ordered to put up posters in their physical stores to educate their mobile phone buyers on how to use, enable or activate the text blocking, spam folder and other similar features in their phones.
In addition, they shall include in each new mobile phone package an insert or leaflet containing directions on how to use, enable, or activate the text blocking, spam folder and other similar features in their phones.
The Commission also informed the manufacturers, distributors and dealers that the above shall form part of the mandatory requirements for type approval/acceptance and related permits for customer premises equipment, particularly mobile phone products filed before the Commission.
During the meeting, representatives of mobile phone manufacturers, distributors, and dealers also informed NTC that their mobile phones have already various features that can protect users from text scams, such as blocking of unknown numbers and or diverting said messages to folders similar to spam folders.
NTC Commissioner Gamaliel A. Cordoba said the above measures are for strict compliance and shall be implemented within 15 days from the issuance of the order.