Digital Rights Round-up (March 1 to 31, 2026)
Digital Rights Round-up (March 1 to 31, 2026)
FACING ONLINE ABUSE? GET HELP REPORTING IT TO THE RIGHT AUTHORITIES WITH THIS TOOL
Newly launched platform, Gabay Tech aims to help Filipino victims and survivors of digital threats.
FMA JOINS WOMEN’S GROUPS DEMANDING PERPETRATORS’ ACCOUNTABILITY ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2026
Technological advancement has also created digital platforms for social violence. Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) attests to the prevalence of such violence in these platforms.
PBBM CALLS FOR GLOBAL COOPERATION TO ADVANCE WOMEN’S RIGHTS
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called for stronger global cooperation to advance women’s rights and remove barriers that limit opportunities for women at the United Nations headquarters in New York City.
LAWMAKERS SEEK PROBE INTO ONLINE SEXUAL ABUSE OF WOMEN
Multiple female legislators filed a House resolution for a congressional inquiry into the proliferation of technology-facilitated gender-based violence, online sexual abuse or exploitation of children, and child sexual abuse or exploitation materials in the Philippines.
DILG, PCW MOVE TO STRENGTHEN BAWAL BASTOS LAW VS DIGITAL SEXUAL HARASSMENT
The Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Philippine Commission on Women are pushing for amendments to the Safe Spaces Act to strengthen protection against emerging forms of gender-based sexual harassment, particularly those facilitated by technology.
NEW ILO DATA CONFIRM WOMEN FACE HIGHER WORKPLACE RISKS FROM GENERATIVE AI THAN MEN
According to new data from the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Philippines is among the few countries where more than 40 percent of women’s employment is at risk from AI.
BONG SUNTAY UNDER FIRE OVER LEWD COMMENT ABOUT ANNE CURTIS
Quezon City Representative Jesus Manuel “Bong” Suntay is facing criticism from lawmakers, public officials, the media, and celebrities over his controversial remark about his personal reaction to seeing actress Anne Curtis.
WOMEN EDGE OUT MEN IN FINISHING AI COURSES IN THE PHILIPPINES BUT…
A study found that in the Philippines found that women are completing GenAI courses at rates 0.3 percent higher than men, stating that when Filipino women gain access to learning opportunities regarding GenAI, they demonstrate persistence in acquiring skills.
SUNTAY SORRY FOR ANNE CURTIS RISQUÉ COMMENT BUT INSISTS NO MALICE
After mass criticism, Bong Suntay apologized for his remarks about actress Anne Curtis, but insisted during a hearing on impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte that the comments held no malice.
WOMEN’S RIGHTS GROUP STAGE RALLY, SEEKS RELEASE OF POLITICAL PRISONERS
Women’s rights group Gabriela held a protest in front of the Philippines Department of Justice to demand the release of 135 female political prisoners, stating these women are human rights advocates, mothers, and elderly women currently facing various charges in court.
WOMEN’S ROLE IN PH DIGITAL SAFETY CITED
In a message to the Philippine News Agency, the co-founder of Scam Watch Pilipinas claimed women play an important role in their volunteer watcher program and policy development through “their strong community networks and active participation in advocacy.”
UN: AI DEEPFAKES WEAPONIZED VS WOMEN
According to the United Nations agency advancing women’s rights and gender equality, women cannot get protection from AI deepfake abuse. As of now, sexual images made using generative AI make up the vast majority of all deepfake content online, and almost all depict women. Despite the scale of harm, platforms and prosecutors fail to act, and survivors face continued trauma when they try to seek help.
FROM MANOSPHERE TO FEMICIDE: INVESTIGATING MISOGYNY AND VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
According to a survey by Stand Up for Journalism, 87% of women journalists have experienced online violence related to their work. In this article, the Global Investigative Journalism Network highlights the lived experience of female reporters around the world and the violence they face.
INTERPOL REPORT WARNS OF INCREASINGLY SOPHISTICATED GLOBAL FINANCIAL FRAUD THREAT
The 2026 INTERPOL Global Financial Fraud Threat Assessment warns that sextortion is being systematically integrated into scams such as romance and investment fraud, often using scripts and AI-generated content.
DE LIMA WANTS TOUGHER LAWS ON RAPE, ABUSE
Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima introduced House Bill (HB) 8716, which aims to emphasize the absence of consent in rape cases to formally recognize grooming as a form of predatory behaviour that can lead to sexual abuse and impose harsher penalties for perpetrators in a position of power over the victim.
In a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and the Philippine National Bureau of Investigation, it has been revealed that the longstanding collaboration between the two agencies resulted in four adults (one Australian and three Filipinos) being charged with the exploitation of six children, who have been removed from harm.
META’S LOSS A VICTORY FOR CHILDREN —BUT MAJOR CHANGES TO PRIVACY COMING
A court in Los Angeles County found Meta liable for the endangerment of children on its platform, a landmark case in social media usage across the globe.
STUDENT LINKED TO SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF 3 VICTIMS
Authorities rescued three victims, one a minor and the suspect’s sister, after explicit materials were found on a student’s device, leading to further evidence including his HIV-related records. The victims are now under protective care while police continue identifying others and await the suspect’s confirmatory HIV test results.
PNP RESCUES 4 VICTIMS, ARRESTS 2 SUSPECTS OVER ONLINE CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
In Quezon City, a woman was arrested after allegedly offering the eight-year-old son of her female partner for livestream sexual abuse in exchange for money. Police said the suspect sold videos of the abuse to an Australian client.
MSU-IIT CHAMPIONS GENDER EQUALITY & SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR THE 2026 NATIONAL WOMEN’S MONTH
Through diverse programs, from digital safety forums to inclusive health education and climate advocacy, the university positions itself as a model for empowering women and fostering an equitable, sustainable society.
SEN. HONTIVEROS SEEKS SENATE PROBE ON ROBLOX, PUSHES REGULATION OVER BAN
In response to the nationwide ban of Roblox, Senator Risa Hontiveros proposes a comprehensive Senate investigation to establish formal regulatory frameworks for online gaming platforms rather than outright abolishment.
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP IN THE DIGITAL ERA: ADVANCING ACCESS TO JUSTICE IN ONLINE POLITICAL SPACES
The United Nations Development Programme and partners highlighted how technology-facilitated violence against women in politics is a growing, coordinated, and often cross-border threat that silences women and undermines democratic participation.
NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY ‘INSIDE THE MANOSPHERE’ EXPOSES A DIGITAL PIPELINE TO MISOGYNY
A new Netflix documentary hit the number one spot two weeks into its release. The film details how the “manoverse” exploits and harms young boys and teenagers.
SOME PARENTS SUPPORT CICC PLAN TO BAN ROBLOX IN PH
Some parents said they are in favour of banning popular online gaming platform Roblox in the Philippines, as reports surface it is being used by cybercriminals. They said the app may expose minors to harmful content and to predators and other criminals.
MINDANAO STUDENTS GET BOOST FROM GLOBE, AYALA FOUNDATION DIGITAL LITERACY, AI INITIATIVE
Project Pastil, launched by Globe Telecom and Ayala Foundation at the University of Southern Mindanao, aims to enhance digital literacy, ethical AI use, and online safety among Mindanao students, particularly against issues like OSAEC and CSAEM. Through training, mentorship, and access to technology, the initiative empowers students with skills, leadership opportunities, and resources for responsible digital participation and future careers.
New data from the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) stated that cases of violence against women and children (VAWC) dropped by 47% in the Province of Cebu.
IACAT MEETS INTERPOOL FOR STRONGER FIGHT VS EXPLOITATION TRAFFICKING OF CHILDREN
The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking is boosting coordination with Interpol to strengthen child protection efforts through better investigations, collaboration, and survivor support.
2 NABBED, 5 RESCUED IN ANTI-ONLINE SEXUAL ABUSE OPS IN MATI
Authorities arrested two men and rescued five people, including minors, during a series of operations against online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC in Mati City, Davao Oriental.
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