Republic Act No. 11934 of the Philippines, also known as the SIM Card Registration Act, mandates that mobile communication SIM cards be registered before activation or continued use. The law aims to enhance the identifiability and traceability of mobile numbers and help combat fraud, identity theft and other cybercrimes committed using anonymous SIM cards.
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) released the implementing rules and regulations on December 12, 2022. The rules apply to physical SIMs, eSIMs, data-only SIMs, SIMs for fixed wireless broadband modems, and other SIMs used for mobile communication services. New SIM cards can only be activated after registration. Existing SIM users must complete registration within the prescribed period; unregistered numbers will be automatically deactivated. Deactivated numbers may be registered and service restoration requested within five days after deactivation.
Individual registrants generally need to submit their full name, date of birth, gender, residential address, valid government-issued ID and ID number. Enterprises, government agencies and other legal entities must additionally submit organizational information, address, details of authorized representatives and relevant registration documents. Foreign visitors are required to present passports, visas or other entry documents and proof of address; their SIM service validity is tied to their legal stay period in the Philippines.
The implementing rules oblige public telecommunications entities to establish secure, convenient and accessible registration systems, and offer registration assistance to residents in remote areas, the elderly, persons with disabilities and people without internet access. Operators must comply with the Philippine Data Privacy Act when processing SIM registration data. Registration information may only be disclosed to law enforcement authorities as required by law or under lawful authorization procedures.
Providing false information, using forged documents, illegally selling registered SIM cards, registering under another person’s identity or committing fraud via SIM cards may result in penalties including fines and imprisonment. Real-name registration cannot completely eliminate scam messages, yet it helps law enforcement agencies and operators identify relevant numbers, investigate SIM-connected devices and trace suspected illegal communications more easily.
