Registration of SIM card buyers proposed

Two senators have filed similar bills calling for the registration of personal information of buyers of SIM (subscriber identity module) cards as a means to curb abuses and prevent crimes involving cell phones. Sen. Richard Gordon, who earlier proposed a longer jail term of 12-19 years for cell phone snatchers, has filed Senate Bill 289, requiring registration of the personal information of buyers of SIM cards, whether pre-paid or post paid. Senate Bill 191, filed separately by Sen. Panfilo Lacson, similarly requires SIM card buyers to register information into a database that the telecommunication providers would maintain. "Modern phones are useful and convenient tools of modern life. While mobile phones have brought us speed and efficiency in our transaction, there are individuals who take advantage of these modern technologies to commit crimes with greater facility," Gordon said. He said lawless elements must not be granted the privilege of using mobile phones to achieve their crimes. Both Lacson and Gordon noted that criminals are easily able to consummate their unlawful activities using practically untraceable SIM, making it difficult for the authorities to track down these criminals. But Lacson said the problem lies with prepaid SIM cards, which anybody can buy almost anywhere. "The owners thereof, can likewise easily evade detection since prepaid SIMs are virtually undetectable. Due to this, unscrupulous individuals almost always take advantage of the same in the pursuit of their criminal activities to the detriment not only of a particular interest but that of the whole nation," said Lacson. Both bills require every seller of SIM card to ask their buyers for valid identification with picture to ascertain the identity of the buyer. The seller shall further require the buyer to accomplish a registration form issued by the mobile phone company of the SIM Card being purchased. The data shall be forwarded to the cell phone service providers who are in turn required to keep a database of the information of the SIM card buyers. Lacson's bill wants the data on the SIM buyer to include the name and telephone number of the pre-paid SIM card. Gordon's proposed measure seeks to include as well the address of the buyer. "This will promote responsibility and accountability in the use of SIM Cards in mobile phones as well as provide better law enforcement in protecting the public," Gordon said. However, Gordon also emphasized that information in SIM Card registration shall be treated absolutely confidential, unless otherwise specified by the subscriber. Lacson's measure allows law enforcers to look into the records of a buyer whose SIM card was used in connection with a crime, but only with a written court order, specifying the name of the law enforcement agency and officer allowed to look into the data. Under Lacson's bill, SIM card dealers who fail to comply with the law will face a fine of P25,000 for the first offense; P50,000 for the second offense; and P100, 000 for the third offense. On the third offense the highest ranking officer of the dealership will also face jail term of four years. Failure to keep a record could mean imprisonment of up to six months or a fine of P50,000 on the highest officer of the dealer company. Anybody who shall reveal the name of a registered SIM card owner without the proper court order will face imprisonment of up to six year or a fine of P50,000. A similar penalty would be imposed against any employee or officer of a telecommunication firm who refuses to reveal to authorities the information on a SIM card holder despite a written court order. - GMANews.TV