Globe flags security gaps in new Konektadong Pinoy Act

MANILA, Philippines — Telecommunications firm Globe Telecom have voiced concerns over the Konektadong Pinoy Act, which aims to widen internet competition. It lapsed into law on August 24, due to a lack of a presidential signature.

In a statement, Globe Telecom general counsel Froilan Castelo said Malacañang's decision to let the bill lapse into law, rather than signing or vetoing it, signifies a "neutral stance." 

“We shall work with the government on how we can make better the standards in the industry to safeguard the public,” Castelo said in a statement. 

While the measure aspires to broaden digital access, Globe said its current form poses risks that include weakening cybersecurity, undermining national safeguards, and unsettling an industry that is vital to the country’s economy and overall national security.

According to Globe, the new law leaves critical gaps in the vetting process for new industry players, which could put the country's digital infrastructure at risk. The company also criticized the two-year grace period for cybersecurity certification, which it says creates a "prolonged window for exploitation" that contradicts existing laws like the Data Privacy Act and the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

Globe also pointed out the law's provision allowing unregulated use of spectrum by satellite operators. For the telco, this could put the Philippines in breach of international treaties and cause harmful interference with frequencies used by defense and disaster-response agencies.

Loosened franchise requirement. The removal of the congressional franchise requirement for new players is also concerning for the company. 

Globe argued this removes a safeguard of oversight, creating an unfair competitive environment where new entrants are not held to the same standards as existing operators who have invested in building networks under strict regulations.

“The passage of the Konektadong Pinoy Act presents the nation with both risks and opportunities,” Globe said in a statement. 

The Konektadong Pinoy Bill, also known as the Open Access in Data Transmission Bill, aims to expand internet access by streamlining the licensing process for internet service providers and encouraging new and smaller companies to enter the market.

Groups have raised concerns that the new law could lead to national security and regulatory gaps, saying that the law lacks sufficient safeguards against data breaches and foreign interference. — Ian Laqui