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

The country’s SIM card registration law is meant to combat rampant text messaging scams. Read more at straitstimes.com.

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.