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NTC orders mobile phone makers, sellers to teach users how to use text blocking feature


After a series of directives to telcos to warn the public against text scams, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), this time, ordered mobile phone makers and sellers to educate users how to use text blocking features in their devices.

In its Memorandum Order No. 006-09-2022, dated September 14, the NTC directed all mobile phone manufacturers, distributors, and dealers to implement the following measures to inform the public about protective mobile phone features:

  •     Provide directions to their mobile phone users on how to block texts from mobile numbers not in their contact lists and how to create a spam folder in their inboxes. These directions shall be disseminated through the manufacturer’s websites and social media accounts (i.e. Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
  •     Put up posters in their physical stores to educate their mobile phone buyers on how to use, enable or activate the text blocking, spam folder and other similar features in their phones
  •    Include in each new mobile phone package an insert or leaflet containing directions on how to use, enable or activate the text blocking, spam folder and other similar features in their phones.

The NTC said the latest memorandum was developed after it held an industry-wide meeting on September 13 where representatives of mobile phone manufacturers, distributors, and dealers stated that their mobile phones have various features that can protect users from text scams, such as blocking of unknown numbers and/or diverting said messages to folders similar to spam folders.

The telecommunications regulator also directed the immediate implementation of the measure within 15 days from the issuance of the memorandum order.

The NTC also informed the manufacturers, distributors, and dealers that the above shall form part of the “mandatory requirements for type approval/acceptance and related permits for customer premises equipment, particularly mobile phone products filed before the Commission.”

The agency has earlier ordered telcos to deactivate clickable Uniform Resource Locators (URLs), links, and quick response (QR) codes in text messages amid the proliferation of text scams.

In a chance interview with reporters, Special Advisor to the NTC Commissioner Edgardo Cabarios said that blocking links will reduce the chances of mobile subscribers getting scammed.

The NTC earlier directed telco companies to warn the public against the proliferation of personalized text scams or unsolicited text messages containing the names of intended recipients.

These firms were also tasked to accelerate the process of blocking SIM cards that are being used to perpetrate the fraudulent activities and further enhance the messaging reach of their respective public information campaigns regarding the “new variants” of the text scams.—AOL, GMA News

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