Frankly, with SIM card registration we may help solve a problem or two but it may only create new problems. The criminal mind will always look for ways to change their mode of delivery of false information from texting to messaging apps on Facebook or even on email. There is a possibility that an emerging technology will be exploited rendering the SIM registration law obsolete because criminals would migrate to the new technology to spread misinformation or victimize unsuspecting persons.
Thus we are proposing some of the solutions to arm the government with the ability to go after the scammers. Hopefully, it will fill the gaps, but surely this will work only on the short term until a new technology comes along and be exploited by criminal elements.
1. There is a need to create an anti-email or instant messaging spam law to curb those scammers who will use e-mail or instant messaging like Facebook messenger or Viber instead of text messages to spread misinformation
2. All telcos should condemn all numbers which are no longer active or not registered and avoid the practice of recycling numbers.
3. In the purview of number portability, all numbers should become a registered property of an individual and shall never be transferred to any other person. In fact, the number should never be transferred in the case of death of the SIM card owner.
4. The SIM card registration process should be seamless and free from any inconvenience so that people would be encouraged to register their SIM.
5. There is a need to look at the use of foreign SIMs not registered in the country which could be used as an alternate method of sending spam text or scam messages.
6. There is a need to block possible emerging technologies that will be mimicking or hijacking a registered SIM to send scam texts to the detriment of the SIM owner who is being victimized by those sending scam messages. This may include the use of satellite or internet phones which may be able to send text even without SIM cards.
7. There should be a tight procedure to guard against possible hacks that could lead to leaks of personal data collected from SIM card owners as this may result in identity theft, which is another problem that is waiting to happen if things are not handled properly.
These are some of the suggestions to curb not just text-based scams but also criminal activities that may arise as a result of SIM registration.
