The Philippines increases efforts to combat cyber crimes

The Philippines is facing a significant challenge in fighting cyber crimes due to the rapid advancements in science and technology, particularly with the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI). Despite the enforcement of laws and protective measures, cyber scams and other crimes aided digital technology continue to persist. However, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is stepping up its efforts to combat such crimes.

DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy, a lawyer and tech-savvy individual, reassured the public that the government is actively taking measures to battle cyber crimes. Uy mentioned that the DICT is ready to review and amend the provisions of the implementing rules and regulations of the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Law, if necessary. He also highlighted the role of volunteer watchdog groups like ScamWatch Pilipinas in promoting digital literacy and emphasized the need for international cooperation to combat cyber criminals engaged in social engineering acts.

To strengthen the fight against cyber crimes, the Philippine government collaborates with global cybersecurity experts from countries like Israel, the United States, Singapore, Estonia, Interpol, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes. Uy, who recently attended the Tallinn Digital Summit in Estonia, praised Estonia’s digital advancements in areas such as public services, cyber security, and internet penetration. He revealed that the Philippines and Estonia are working on a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation in e-governance and cyber security.

Uy also noted the common interest among ASEAN Digital Ministers to establish a unified front in partnering with major social media platforms such as Google, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to address the illicit operations of cyber criminals. With the combined population of the ASEAN member states, Uy believes that these social media giants cannot ignore the united front in protecting their users from global cyber threats.

In the midst of recent “road rage” incidents, Miguel G. Belmonte, the president and CEO of The Philippine Star, shared a personal message apologizing for a minor accident involving his car’s side mirror and offering to cover the repair cost for the other vehicle involved.

Overall, the Philippines is making significant strides to tackle cyber crimes implementing legislative changes, fostering international collaborations, and promoting digital literacy among its citizens.