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)