Privacy body asks BIR to explain online registration seal requirement

The National Privacy Commission (NPC) has asked the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to explain its requirement for online sellers, vloggers and other digital earners to display a BIR registration seal on their online platforms, citing privacy concerns raised by stakeholders.

In a statement, the NPC said it issued a Notice to Explain to the BIR on Oct. 21, 2026, in response to the concerns.

On Oct. 26, BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza met with NPC Deputy Privacy Commissioner Jose Sutton Belarmino II and Privacy Policy Office Director Reinier Jeffrey Abdon to discuss the implementation of the registration seal requirement and its data privacy implications.

During the meeting, the NPC said Mendoza explained the legal basis and purpose for processing personal information in connection with the registration seal. Both agencies also exchanged views on relevant data privacy considerations and possible safeguards.

Shortly after the meeting, the BIR suspended the implementation of Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 038-2026, which required taxpayers engaged in online business activities to display the BIR-issued seal on their websites, e-commerce pages or social media business accounts as proof of registration.

The requirement covered a broad range of digital economy participants, including online sellers, freelancers, professionals, vloggers and influencers earning income through digital platforms.

“The NPC likewise acknowledges the BIR's decision to suspend the deadline prescribed under the relevant circular,” the privacy watchdog said.

Actress and vlogger Rica Peralejo earlier criticized the requirement, questioning why content creators and other digital earners had to publicly display proof of their tax registration despite their compliance with tax obligations.

In a post on Threads, Peralejo said she had been paying taxes since she was 13, questioning the need to display the registration seal to prove her compliance.

She added that the requirement would have been acceptable if Filipinos were not being robbed by corrupt individuals.

The BIR campaign drew scathing reactions from content creators, including Christian Antolin, who posted a parody series featuring digitally altered photos of himself superimposed on scenes depicting public service failures, including faulty flood control projects, long queues for public transport and overcrowded classrooms.

Scam Watch Pilipinas also warned that the registration seal could be exploited by scammers to make fraudulent online businesses appear legitimate.

The group said scammers have stolen profile photos, impersonated legitimate businesses and used images of resorts, hotels and other establishments to deceive consumers.

“If these can be easily copied, what prevents scammers from doing the same with a BIR badge?” the group said.

Scam Watch Pilipinas urged the BIR to coordinate with digital platforms and relevant government agencies to strengthen verification safeguards, including linking registration records to actual business accounts and preventing the unauthorized use of the badges.

The NPC said its meeting with the BIR was part of its continuing engagement to ensure that government initiatives involving the processing and disclosure of personal information comply with Republic Act No. 10173, or the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

The privacy watchdog said it would continue coordinating with the BIR to ensure that data privacy concerns are appropriately addressed in implementing the registration seal requirement.— MCG, GMA News

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