Reign Zamantha Nicole D. Cruz
Evaluation
The field of journalism is undergoing substantial transformation. More than at any other
point in human history, new digital platforms have liberated creative journalism techniques,
enabling distinctive forms of communication and a broader audience throughout the world. On
the other hand, so-called "fake news"—a combination of misinformation and false stories—is
rising and transforming how people perceive current events.
This is an evaluation of a tweet by Filipino politician and young activist Raoul Manuel of
the Kabataan Partylist, who currently holds over 19,000 Twitter followers. On September 5, 2022,
the aforementioned tweet was tweeted in reference to the SIM Card Registration Bill, which
President Marcos later signed into law.
The tweet makes the implication that if the SIM Card Registration Bill is passed, the
government will have direct access to user data. He opposed the law because he believed it
would breach the subscriber's privacy about the transactions and information connected to their
SIM card. However, he presents no legal evidence or fact to back up his claim in his argument.
The recently introduced legislation supposedly aims to prohibit criminal activities facilitated by
mobile phones. Additionally, the confidentiality clause presented under Section 8 of this bill
mandates that all information must be treated as absolutely confidential unless the subscriber
provides written consent.
Furthermore, the bill did not provide the government with direct access to subscriber data.
At the time of the tweet, it garnered over six thousand likes, more than one thousand retweets,
and approximately three hundred quote tweets. Initially, this would cause readers to presume that
registering their SIM cards will expose their confidential data to the government. They might be
reluctant to register their SIM due to the fear that is caused by Manuel’s statement. Technically,
the law does not say that once the SIM is registered, the user would surrender their information
and transactions to the government. However, given the dangers posed by the fragile
cybersecurity structure in our nation, those who hold access to our information may use it for their
own purposes, particularly if it falls into the wrong hands.
There has been a sharp decline in public confidence in conventional journalism as a result
of the politicized and controversial nature of information systems. Once ingrained, these concepts
can be used to create victims, normalize biases, and in extreme circumstances, to ignite and
rationalize violence and fear. It is the responsibility of every individual to fight the epidemic of fake
news. This includes supporting the practice of investigative journalism and enhancing general
public digital literacy.
References:
Republic Act No. 11934 (lawphil.net)
3945435848!.pdf (senate.gov.ph)