NTC orders telcos to deactivate clickable URLs in scam text messages
Text message scams are not new but they have been becoming more and more invasive as most of them already include full names and other personal details. From offering fake raffle prizes to masking themselves as bank notifications, these schemes are more alarming than ever because of the information they hold.
To address the growing concerns with regard to these scam text messages, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has ordered telecommunication providers Dito Telecommunity Corporation, Globe Telecoms, Inc., and Smart Communications, Inc. to deactivate clickable Uniform Resource Locators (URLs), TinyURLs, Smart Links, and QR codes included in the messages.
As scam text messages evolve through the years, scammers have found a means to steal data and personal information from their targets with the use of malicious clickable links and QR codes that lead to fraudulent websites.
In order to minimize the risks of falling for them, NTC is ordering the three telco giants to use their capabilities in blocking these scam sites based on the existing database provided by government agencies such as NTC, National Privacy Commission, Department of Trade and Industry, law enforcement agencies, subscriber reports, and the reports generated from machine learning or artificial intelligence.
The commission is also asking for a written report of compliance from the three telco providers to be submitted to the Office of the Commissioner on or before September 16, 2022.
Investigations, led by the Philippine National Police and National Bureau of Investigations, regarding the use of personal data in spam text messages are currently ongoing whilst NTC takes action in creating a safer digital space for everyone through this new mandate.
Other lawmakers and netizens are also pushing for the approval of the SIM Card Registration Act in order to address the issue and minimize the number of people falling prey to these scammers.
NO ONE IS SAFE FROM THESE SCAMMERS AND HACKERS, EVEN CELEBRITIES HAVE EXPERIENCED HAVING THEIR SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS STOLEN.
