Digital ID system for SIMs urged

The country's leading telecommunications group is calling on the government to establish a validated database to verify a person's identity, instead of the proposed in-person appearance for SIM (subscriber identity module) registration.

- By DEXTER BARRO II

Last month, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) floated the prospect of requiring a registrant's personal appearance in an effort to crack down on text scams.

It has been reported that SIM cards already registered to certain end-users are being sold online, opening the floodgate to criminal activities.

The NTC said requiring registrants to make a personal appearance could put an end to those exploiting the mandated registration.