The National Privacy Commission (NPC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with leading telecommunications companies (Telcos) in the country in a
significant step to further safeguard the personal data of telecommunications subscribers.
In a statement, NPC said the MOU aims to strengthen the coordination and cooperation between the government and private sector, to further enhance the quality of services to stakeholders while ensuring the protection of personal data.
The MOU was signed on May 10, 2023 by Privacy Commissioner and Chairman Atty. John Henry D. Naga and representatives from Dito Telecommunity Corporation (Atty. Adel A. Tamano), Globe Telecom Inc. (Atty. Irish Krystle Salandanan-Almeida), and Smart Communications, Inc. (Leah Camilla B. Jimenez). By virtue of the memorandum, a Joint Task Force is established to foster coordination, communication, and implementation of the parties’ respective obligations regarding data privacy and protection, with NPC serving as the Secretariat.
The NPC, in cooperation with the Telcos, will work towards capacity-building, knowledge sharing, and intensifying anti-fraud measures by launching a joint information dissemination campaign which will educate and inform the public on these fraudulent schemes and the correct process on how to report them.
The collaboration between NPC and Telcos, through the MOU, is a response to the urgent need to protect the public’s data privacy and security, especially against the prevalence of fraudulent schemes such as targeted smishing messages. Commissioner Naga is confident that the MOU will start a more dynamic relationship between the government and Telcos. “It is imperative that we join forces with the private sector and collaborate to further strengthen data privacy awareness and educate our kababayans in safeguarding their personal data. By working together in this common endeavor, we can effectively promote the significance of ensuring that personal data is safe and secured, and the consequences of failing to do so,” the Privacy Commissioner said.
“This initiative is crucial in light of the increasing instances of data breaches and cyber threats that pose a significant risk to data privacy and security. It is our collective responsibility to equip our fellow citizens with the knowledge on their rights as data subjects and doing their part in protecting their own personal data,” Naga added.
Telco representatives affirmed their commitment in supporting the NPC’s efforts in educating Filipinos about data privacy rights, promoting a safe online environment, and preventing fraudulent schemes to prevail.