Currently, there is a push (particularly in the Philippines and parts of Europe) to require all social media users to verify their identities with government IDs to "curb online abuse and trolls." The DICT's current plan is to anchor social media verification to locally registered SIM numbers. While it aims to reduce toxicity, it threatens the anonymity of activists, and marginalized groups. It also creates a massive security risk, if a platform is hacked, hackers get your government ID. Anonymity isn't just for "trolls"; it is a tool, a shield for the vulnerable. Mandatory ID means that any criticism of powerful figures can be traced back to a physical home address. In a climate where "red-tagging" or political harassment exists, removing anonymity effectively silences dissent. For members of the LGBTQ+ community, or people with sensitive medical conditions, the ability to use a pseudonym allows them to seek support without the risk of being "shamed" or tracked by abusers. When people know they are being watched, they stop speaking. This leads to a "sanitized" internet where only the safe or the powerful have a voice. (Greenwald, G. 2014).

Over the years, millions of Filipinos and citizens in developing nations lack updated government IDs due to lack of access. Mandatory verification would be unfair the poorest members of society from the digital town square.

Why "Voluntary" is the Better Path. 

Platforms can curb trolls by improving their reporting systems, using AI to detect bot patterns, and empowering users with better "ignore" or "block" tools. Let users choose to verify. Verified users could get "trust badges," while those who value privacy can remain anonymous. This balances accountability with the fundamental right to privacy. We refuse to accept a policy that treats anonymity as a crime. The DICT's proposal to link our SIM cards to our social media profiles does not stop professional scammers who already use burner/spam accounts but it does place a permanent target on the backs of activists, journalists, and everyday citizens. We demand that verification remains voluntary and that the government focuses on holding platforms accountable for security, rather than policing the identity of every Filipino.