QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — In response to the alarming rise of disinformation, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), led by Secretary Henry Aguda, is launching a robust initiative to combat online threats.
During his first Executive Committee (ExeComm) meeting as Chair of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) on April, Aguda endorsed a comprehensive policy statement aimed at addressing fake news, cyber scams, and other digital dangers.
The initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to tackle the growing epidemic of online disinformation. Aguda emphasized the need for a safer and more responsible cyberspace for all Filipinos, stating, “We can no longer stand idly by as false information erodes the trust that binds our nation.”
This policy builds on the existing Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and proposes several new measures, including the creation of a multi-agency task force designed to respond swiftly to incidents of online falsehoods.
Through a program called “Digital Bayanihan,” the DICT aims to collaborate with social media platforms, law enforcement, and civil society to detect and dismantle misinformation before it proliferates.
In addition to addressing fake news, Aguda highlighted the increasing threat of cyber-terrorism. As part of the ‘Good Vibes sa Internet’ policies, the CICC will issue a Policy Statement on Cyber-Terrorism that seeks to reclassify certain cybercrimes as acts of cyber-terrorism.
This initiative aims to deter malicious activities, recognize cybercrimes as ongoing offenses, and enhance national security and public safety in an increasingly digital world.
“Cybercriminals must be held accountable with the full force of the law. We are taking a strong stance to ensure that the digital space is no place for fear, fraud, or extremism,” Aguda asserted.
These initiatives are part of the Philippine government’s broader commitment to creating a digital environment that promotes meaningful engagement, upholds truth, and protects the well-being of every Filipino online.
“Dahil walang maiiwan sa digital bayanihan, we will fight for a cyberspace free from manipulation, disinformation, and the dangers of cybercrime,” Aguda said. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
(Contributed photo)
