Monkey photo on ID activates Philippine SIM cards, exposing loophole in new law vs scammers

A new law in the Philippines requires mobile phone users to provide a photo and other personal details when buying a new SIM card. This was aimed at combating rampant text messaging scams.

However, the telecom regulator has reported a "sharp increase" in scam text messages since the law took effect.

To demonstrate how easy it is to get past the automated vetting systems, a police officer used an ID card with a photo of a monkey to successfully activate various SIM cards.

This has left lawmakers and regulators red-faced, as it shows that the new law has not been effective in stopping scammers.