The NBI is proposing a bill that will allow regulating devices that connect to the Internet. This includes the following: laptops, desktops, SIM cards, WiFi routers, modems, etc.
At least two Senators have already commented against this, yet I don’t think they can see the possible problems that can arise out of this. Besides the reasons I mentioned before, I am against this idea as it is a stepping stone to the government controlling the ISPs. For those who think this is a far fetched idea, where do you think all those devices go to connect to the Internet?
Would you trust the government enough to control who goes to what site and how much bandwidth you’re allowed to have? There would be no more privacy and Internet freedom for anyone in the Philippines. People would be even more afraid to write or blog against corrupt government officials as he or she can be easily traced and “put out” silently.
Would you trust the government to have control on what you can use on your computer/laptop/smartphone? Choices will become limited, you need to give up even more of your private information just to open an email. Again, this is another avenue where corruption can set in as manufacturers will be on the beck and call of government officials–anyone remember the NTN/ZTE scandal?
The Internet is like a knife; it can be used for good or evil purposes, but you don’t see it being regulated, right? Instead of going for the tool, go after the reason why there’s rampant kidnappings, slayings, and corruption. The reason saying that the Internet is allowing crimes to go unnoticed is illogical as crimes has been rampant even before the web was invented.
I hope the NBI and Senators would consider the massive implications if this proposal would ever be approved.