Amid groups raising concern over data privacy once the proposed SIM Registration Act is signed into law, Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda on Sunday, Oct. 9, asked telecommunication companies to ensure that consumer data will not fall into the wrong hands.
Telcos should abide by the Data Privacy Act as the SIM Registration Act is set to be the first law signed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday, Oct. 10.
Once the SIM card registration law is enacted, Salceda said that telcos “will be the largest owners of comprehensive identity information in the country except the government itself.”
“On the one hand, SIM Card Registration might deter some obvious crimes, like text spams and anonymous text messages or even threats,” the lawmaker added.
“On the other hand, the moment the databases fall into the hands of unscrupulous individuals, that could be a data privacy catastrophe,” he stressed.
While the proposed measure and its forthcoming Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) have yet to be crafted, the veteran lawmaker underscored the need to address “some concerns” about data privacy.
READ: Marcos expected to sign SIM Card Registration Act Oct. 10
First, Salceda demands for “strong and dynamic standards for the kind of data privacy protection mechanisms telecommunications companies will be required to take,” adding the need for “strong and evolving” standards for data storage, protection, updating, and even deletion.
“Second, I want the process to be easy for the user and cheap. We don’t want to deprive the poor of what has become the most essential means of communication,” the lawmaker said.
Third, he suggested a grievance mechanism, such as a hotline number specifically for data privacy concerns.
Fourth, there should also be mechanisms on how the government will deal with data privacy breaches.
“Who’s responsible? What should each responsible agency do? How do we prevent any further bleeding out of data once a breach is made? That should be clear,” he said.
Salceda also asked for the process to be easier for the people, just “like opening a bank account or accessing government services” to ensure financial inclusion.