PRESS RELEASE
The Mozilla Philippines Community (MozillaPH) warmly welcomes the recent extension of the deadline for SIM Card Registration by the Philippine government. However, we remain deeply concerned about the possible negative impact of this policy on online anonymity and free speech.
Insufficient communication and outreach efforts by the government and service providers may be the primary reason for the lack of awareness about the registration requirement or the compliance deadline among some Filipinos. Furthermore, the registration process itself may also pose challenges to those without access to Internet-capable devices or proper identification documents, especially those residing in remote or underserved areas.
Privacy and data protection concerns are also significant factors, with many Filipinos apprehensive about sharing personal information with the government or service providers due to identity theft or misuse of their data. Trust issues with the government or service providers may also contribute to reluctance in complying with the registration requirement.
While we understand the importance of addressing crimes, misinformation, and scams, the Mozilla Philippines Community firmly believes that the policy neglects the critical role of online anonymity in safeguarding whistleblowers and promoting public discourse. Additionally, the deployment of digital identity systems may create security risks that could have catastrophic effects in the event of a data breach.
The Mozilla Philippines Community urges the government to consider the concerns of Filipinos and implement policies that preserve an Open Internet while prioritizing privacy and data protection. We remain committed to supporting the government’s efforts to create a safer and more secure online environment for all Filipinos.
