Globe wants access to gov't database to catch fake IDs

Globe Telecom Inc. is calling on the government to allow telecommunication companies to access its ID-issuing agency databases to help curb fraudulent information.

In a statement, the telco said access to the systems will enable them to more efficiently validate IDs submitted for SIM registration.

“As much as we endeavor to enhance our verification process for SIM registration, the system will remain vulnerable if we have no official data whereby we could cross-reference submissions. That’s why our hope is that the government will allow telcos to verify information with their data,” said Globe Group General Counsel Atty. Froilan Castelo.

“Logically, without access to official government data, we’ll have no verified data through which we could confirm ID submissions. We won’t be able to tell what’s real or fake when we have no visibility on the verified data,” he added.

While it is developing its own technology to validate photo ID submissions, it remains open to working with the government to integrate the egov.ph app with the SIM registration system.

Castelo said the firm is collaborating with technical groups consisting of representatives from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), among others.

“We are committed to continuing to invest in ID validation systems, but we need to work hand-in-hand with relevant government agencies to make the entire system work,” he added.