Tech groups back Konektadong Pinoy Act, urge removal of data localization

Six technology industry groups, including the Global AI Council Philippines and the Blockchain Council of the Philippines, have endorsed the Konektadong Pinoy Act, believing it will bridge the country's connectivity gap.

They stated that the bill aims to modernize the Philippines' digital infrastructure by replacing outdated regulations with a forward-looking legal framework.

The proposed reforms are expected to foster competition, simplify market entry for new businesses, encourage infrastructure sharing, and improve spectrum management.

These changes are anticipated to lead to lower internet service costs and faster network expansion, increasing accessibility in underserved regions.

However, the groups also urged Congress to exclude data localization and sovereignty provisions, warning they would increase costs and limit access to technologies like cloud computing and AI.