Despite the passage of SIM Registration Law and its implementation, telecom subscribers continue to receive text scams and spams and eventually give opportunity for electronic fraudsters to commit cybercrimes.

In order to circumvent the law, cybercriminals are reportedly using over- the-top (OTT) messaging and even SIM (Subscribers Identity Module) issued by international telecom providers, whose operations are reportedly beyond the control of Republic Act 11934, or SIM registration law, to commit online fraud.

OTT messaging refers to services that transmit messages over the internet, bypassing the traditional cellular network channels such as the use of downloadable messaging apps which reportedly allow the users to deliver text messages even without a SIM card.

But the SIM Registration Law is not a failure because while the registration of SIM cards establishes only the ownership of the SIM cards for purposes of readily determining accountability, Globe Group’s general counsel Froilan Castelo said it is a first step in the fight against cybercrimes.

“It is only the first step towards an intricate and highly technical approaches which aimed at curbing online scams. Criminals will always try to find a way to circumvent the law, the reason why we are in pursuit with other stakeholders to be a step ahead of their schemes,” said Castelo.

Right now, Castelo said they are working with the government, particularly law enforcement agencies like the Philippine National Police to crack down on all forms of online offenses.

One of the subjects of cooperation is the establishment of PNP’s own spam and scam reporting system where the public may lodge text or call related fraud.

Castelo also emphasized the need for multi-stakeholder efforts and enhanced law enforcement drive to address the challenges confronting the government all-out campaign against online scams whose victims are reportedly hard earners.

“We will actively work with the law enforcers in verifying the data on pre-registered sim cards which were confiscated during their operations, and we will readily undertake proactive measures to prevent further commission of cybercrimes,” said Castelo.

Following the end of the registration period for existing SIMs on July 25 and the five-day grace period on July 30 both this year, Globe has reportedly completed the deactivation of unregistered SIMs and has also been pursuing a sustained effort against spam and scam messages through a well-established system of detection and SMS blocking. 

It is running a 24/7 Security Operations Center which is fortified by an investment of 20 million U.S. dollar for a stringent filtering infrastructure.

In a statement, Globe said it maintains a ‘Stop Spam’ portal where subscribers may report spam and scam messages that they receive. 

With this strict blocking protocol, Globe has blocked more than 2.2 billion spam and scam SMS (Short Messaging System) from January to June 2023 alone.