The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) are intensifying efforts against the sale of prohibited products on online marketplaces and social media platforms.
DICT secretary Henry Aguda said strengthening cybersecurity is one of the agency’s top priorities, stressing the need for “digital bayanihan” to maintain a safe online environment.
“In response to reports we’ve received through social media platforms, we engaged with them and coordinated with other government agencies to address harmful content circulating online. This is a DICT-led initiative with the whole-of-government approach, following the President’s instruction to eliminate or minimize social harms caused by social media,” Aguda said.
He also urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious online activities and sellers of illegal products through hotline 1326.
CICC acting executive director Renato Paraiso emphasized the agency’s zero-tolerance policy on online harms. “Our social media and e-commerce platforms have agreed to and are complying with this directive. They also have self-sweeping mechanisms to detect and remove harmful content, including child pornography and deep fakes,” Paraiso said.
Several social media and online selling platforms expressed support for the government’s initiatives to curb illegal activities and harmful practices online.
Meanwhile, DTI assistant secretary Valdez III said it launched the eCommerce Philippine Trustmark, a regulatory seal for online transactions, to ensure consumer safety by reducing substandard products, fraud, and online scams.
The press conference was also attended by representatives from major platforms: Phillip Fullon, government and political affairs consultant of Shopee Philippines; Yves Gonzales, head of public policy of TikTok Philippines; and Bobby Khan, public sector lead of Google Philippines.
