EDITORIAL - Fighting anonymity

Because of the anonymity made possible on social media, it has become the go-to platform for spreading fake news and black propaganda as well as trolling and other forms of harassment.

Around the world, people are taking action, passing measures that will compel accountability and responsibility in the use of social media platforms. Social media giants themselves, seeing the use of their platforms for trolling, disinformation and cyber crime, consequently eroding the credibility of their sites, are working with various agencies and the private sector to curb abuses.

In the Philippines, lawmakers are moving to fight anonymity in cyberspace. Not surprisingly, members of the opposition, who have become the top targets of trolls, are leading the initiative. Last week the Senate passed on third and final reading the proposed SIM Card Registration Act or Senate Bill 2395.

The measure aims to require the ownership registration of SIM cards, and the provision of real names and phone numbers in creating a social media account. SB 2395 states that the provisions are meant to “deter the proliferation of SIM card, internet or electronic communication-aided crimes, such as, but not limited to terrorism; text scams; unsolicited, indecent or obscene messages; bank fraud; libel; anonymous online defamation; trolling; hate speech, spread of digital disinformation or fake news.”

Under the proposed law, trolls and those caught using fictitious names to create a social media account face fines of up to P200,000, imprisonment ranging from six months to 12 years, or both penalties.

There are also proposals to make social media companies accountable for allowing fictitious users to post libelous comments on their platforms against public figures. Malice will be presumed on the part of the online platforms for publishing the scurrilous comments.

The law will still have to be fine-tuned to ensure the protection of privacy and personal data. But it is a positive step in curbing the spread of disinformation, malice and hatred in cyberspace. Social media platforms themselves should see merit in cleaning up their sites.

The challenge, as in other laws in this country, is effective enforcement. If ever the Senate bill becomes law, authorities must exert effort to enforce it to the fullest extent.