Two proposed measures to protect Filipino children online should adopt risk-based safeguards without unnecessarily restricting privacy, freedom of expression, and access to digital services, according to a law firm and a digital advocacy group.
Discord is open to appointing a Philippine law firm to represent its interests in the country, provided the arrangement meets the requirements of proposed regulations governing online platforms.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has appointed undersecretary Leandro Angelo “Dino” Aguirre to oversee cybersecurity and strategic initiatives as the agency reorganizes its leadership and prepares to convene the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC).
Five technology professionals and digital rights advocates have asked the Supreme Court (SC) to invalidate the government’s nationwide blocking of Discord and prohibit similar restrictions on websites and social networking platforms, arguing that the agencies involved acted beyond their authority.
Former CHEd chairperson Prospero “Popoy” De Vera and PIDS senior research fellow Jose Ramon Albert have criticized the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) over their decision to block Discord and lift the restriction shortly afterward.
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has invoked the “parens patriae” doctrine, or the State’s role as protector of its citizens, in defending the government’s decision to block Discord in the Philippines, even as authorities lifted the restriction shortly after it was imposed.
A legal analysis by Geronimo Law said blocking an entire website or application amounts to prior restraint on expression and is presumptively unconstitutional, citing the constitutional protection of freedom of speech and the Supreme Court’s rulings.
Reports that Discord had become inaccessible on some Philippine networks drew criticism from users and technology advocates, who questioned the effect on legitimate online communities and the legal basis for blocking the platform.
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has given Reddit and Discord 24 hours to designate local representatives in the Philippines, warning that the platforms could face restrictions or blocking if they fail to comply.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) have ordered government agencies and critical infrastructure operators to assess their security risks and take urgent protective measures within 24 hours amid reported cyberattacks on government systems.
