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.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) confirmed on Friday, Oct. 2, that a website under development was defaced, prompting an assessment of the unauthorized access and a review of its security controls before deployment.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said on Friday, Sept. 25, that it is investigating a possible exposure of 410 files associated with 48 companies in its Trusted Assessment Provider (D-TAP) accreditation program.
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.
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.
Malacañang has backed the Office of the Ombudsman’s investigation into alleged “ghost Internet” projects, saying irregular transactions involving public officials must be examined and those found responsible held accountable.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has disowned its earlier claim that the House of Representatives called on Meta chief executive officer Mark Zuckerberg to appear at a congressional hearing, even as the agency urged the media to avoid misinformation.
Deputy Speaker and Iloilo representative Janette Garin said lawmakers believed the DICT lacked the authority or resolve to confront large online platforms despite their extensive reach and commercial operations in the Philippines.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has opened its nationwide Free Wi-Fi monitoring dashboard to the public amid increased scrutiny of inactive sites and alleged “ghost Internet projects.”
