The National Privacy Commission (NPC) is monitoring and investigating the proliferation of unsolicited text messages (texts) from anonymous numbers, with some containing the receivers names, the agency said in a statement.
Privacy Commissioner Atty. John Henry Naga said that the commission had a meeting with telecommunications providers on September 1, where participants committed to intensify their technological and security safeguards, including the blocking of numbers to curb the surge, among others.
“We are also in coordination with the National Telecommunications Commission to share information and conduct concerted actions to the full extent of our respective mandates,” the privacy commissioner added.
He also urged everyone to be vigilant in protecting personal data, whether online or offline, especially in activities that require the disclosure of names, numbers, and other information that could divulge identities.
NPC is also slated to hose a public webinar on September 7, at 1:00 pm, where it shall discuss the risks and harms of receiving these text messages.
During the webinar it will also share best practices to protect mobile users from being scammed, and other useful information that can be applied.
