The National Privacy Commission warned the public against selling their registered SIM cards, saying they will face penalties that include fines and imprisonment.
The NPC issued the advisory after it received reports of individuals offering P1,000 in exchange for registered SIM cards.
Those who sell or transfer the ownership of their registered SIM card without following the proper procedure, the NPC said, face imprisonment from six months to six years, or a fine of P100,000 to P300,000, or both.
Original SIM card owners risk being exposed to legal action if the SIM card registered in their name is misused for illegal activities, the commission said.
“This practice is not only prohibited under the SIM Registration Act (RA No. 11934) but it also places data subjects in a vulnerable position, exposing them to potential legal repercussions, risks, and harms if a SIM card, registered in their name, is misused for illicit activities,” the NPC said.
“Timely reporting can help prevent potential misuse of your personal data,” it said. “Scrutinize the intentions behind such offers and verify the credibility of the individuals making them.”
The NPC said original SIM card owners must “adhere to the legal requirements for reporting such transactions as required under the SIM Registration Act.”
“The NPC earnestly urges all data subjects to take heed of this advisory and to remain vigilant against participating in any actions that may put at risk their personal data,” the privacy body said.