Digital Rights Round-up (December 1 to 31, 2025)
Digital Rights Round-up (December 1 to 31, 2025)
UNESCO AI READINESS ASSESSMENT REPORT: ANCHORING ETHICS IN AI GOVERNANCE IN THE PHILIPPINES
UNESCO, in collaboration with the Philippines’ government, have completed the AI Readiness Assessment Methodology – marking a significant step in the Philippines’ ethical AI governance journey. This milestone report is expected to complement the country’s ongoing development of the National AI Strategy for the Philippines and other initiatives to ensure responsible AI governance.
AI TOOLS AIMED AT BOOSTING PHILIPPINE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION UNVEILED
The Department of Information and Communications Technology has been urging wider adoption of digital systems and AI across the country. With sectors such as business process outsourcing and small and medium enterprises facing rising security and productivity demands, Microsoft said its latest AI tools releases are intended to help organizations modernize operations while keeping data protected.
CYBERSECURITY IN 2025: VOLUME, SCALE OF ATTACKS INCREASE THANKS TO AI
Cyber threats in 2025 didn’t see new forms. Attackers still relied on traditional vectors such as phishing, ransomware, credential theft, and social engineering. What changed was the volume and scale of these attacks, resulting in what has become an “industrialization of cybercrime” powered by artificial intelligence.
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), in its role as the country’s Gender Ombud, spearheaded the forum “Women Journalists as Women Human Rights Defenders”, in line with the observance of the International Women Human Rights Defenders Day.
ONLINE LEARNING SURGE DRIVEN BY AI, DATA SKILLS IN PH — REPORT
Filipino learners are increasingly focusing on digital and analytical skills as the country accelerates its shift toward a tech-driven economy, according to new data from global learning platform Coursera.
PBBM SWEARS IN NEW PH PRIVACY BODY CHIEF
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has administered the oath of office to lawyer Johann Carlos Barcena as head of the National Privacy Commission (NPC).
SAFEGUARDING TRUST IN THE AGE OF AI: PRIVACY FIRST OR RISK IT ALL?
CONNECTIVITY has always been the backbone of digital growth. The Konektadong Pinoy Act is giving that backbone more reach, opening doors for businesses in the Philippines to join the digital economy and leverage technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) to transform services and reach new markets.
DATA PRIVACY ACT BRIEFING URGES WIDER AWARENESS
Legal practitioners gathered on Friday, Dec. 5, at the Casa Real Social Hall in Iloilo City for an executive briefing on the Data Privacy Act (DPA), aimed at clarifying key provisions of the law and addressing persistent misconceptions about its implementation.
CITIZENWATCH DEMANDS DATA STORAGE LAWS AMIDST SURGE IN AI USAGE
Amidst the surge of artificial intelligence (AI) usage, Filipinos may be exposed to cybersecurity risks if there are no laws on data localization, CitizenWatch Philippines warned.
AI BRINGS ‘MARKED IMPROVEMENT’ IN EDUCATION DATA – DEPED CHIEF
Under ECAIR [Education Center for Artificial Intelligence Research], the use of AI is integrated into education governance, with focus on data quality, decision-making, and operations.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), in fact, monitored 52 alleged press freedom attacks and violations, including three killings, from January to October this year, a bit higher compared to the same period in 2024.
MEDIA TASK FORCE VOWS TO IMPROVE SAFETY FOR JOURNALISTS
THE Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) and various law enforcement agencies and media organizations met last week for their 4th Interagency Meeting and Year-End Assessment where they collectively vowed to make the country’s media environment safer for journalists.
GLOBAL JOURNALIST KILLINGS RISE; PHL REMAINS DANGEROUS
While global attention has focused on war zones, the Philippines remained among the countries where journalists were killed in the line of duty in 2025, highlighting the continuing risks faced by media workers outside active conflict areas.
SENATE PANEL TO SUBPOENA META OVER REPEATED SNUB OF HEARING ON DISINFORMATION, TROLL FARMS
A Senate panel will subpoena Facebook parent firm Meta after the company failed to attend a hearing on three major bills seeking to curb online disinformation, regulate social media algorithms, and criminalize troll farms on Monday, December 15.
AI OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES, BUT POSES RISKS FOR PHILIPPINE NEWS MEDIA—PIDS
State-run policy think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) has warned that while artificial intelligence (AI) offers significant opportunities for the Philippine news media, it also presents major challenges that must be carefully managed.
DND LAUNCHES FRAMEWORK FOR IT GOVERNANCE, CYBERSECURITY
Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday led the formal launching of the department circular on information technology (IT) and cybersecurity standards during the CYBERCON 2025 held at the Tejeros Hall, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Commissioned Officers Club in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
‘PROTECT OUR CHILDREN’: CHR EXPLAINS DIGITAL SAFETY FOR YOUTH
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) explains why ensuring the safety of children in the digital age has become a pressing concern as more youth spend more hours online for school and social interaction.
PBBM EYES AI REGULATION AMID RISE OF FAKE NEWS, CYBERBULLYING
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has emphasized the importance of regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) amid the proliferation of fake news and the surge in cyberbullying cases. In the sixth episode of his podcast aired Tuesday, Marcos lamented that AI technology is being used to harm others and put them in a bad light.
DICT: CYBERCRIME CASES FELL 38% IN 2025, ONLINE LIBEL TOPS LIST
From March 20, 2013 to October 31, 2025, authorities recorded a total of 87,595 cybercrime cases nationwide. For 2025, the number of recorded incidents fell to 8,987 cases, down 38% from 14,529 cases logged in the previous year.
TIKTOK PARTNERS WITH DEPED FOR DIGITAL LITERACY, CYBER SAFETY
The program, TikTok Galing, is designed to help integrate digital literacy and cyber safety into DepEd’s existing media and information literacy curriculum. It addresses critical topics such as misinformation, spotting fake news, and ethical content creation.
KASPERSKY URGES FILIPINO INSTITUTIONS TO BUILD CYBER IMMUNITY
Global cybersecurity company Kaspersky is urging both public and private organizations in the Philippines to move beyond traditional cybersecurity defenses and adopt cyber immunity, a proactive framework that ensures systems are secure and resilient by design.
16K CYBERCRIMES LOGGED SINCE 2024 DUE TO PINOYS’ INCREASED AWARENESS – CICC
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) said it received 16,000 cybercrime complaints since 2024, citing Filipinos’ increased awareness of cybercrime and available reporting mechanisms. Of this figure, 6,000 cybercrime complaints were logged this 2025, said CICC acting executive director and undersecretary Aboy Paraiso.
THE PHILIPPINES: STRENGTHENING ONLINE SAFETY FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN
As digital technology becomes increasingly central to everyday life, online safety for vulnerable groups has emerged as a pressing concern in the Philippines. Women and children are particularly at risk from cybercrime and online exploitation, prompting both law enforcement agencies and child protection organisations to implement initiatives that improve digital literacy and safeguard online spaces.
POLICE PUSH DIGITAL LITERACY TO PROTECT WOMEN, CHILDREN FROM CYBERCRIME
“Knowledge is power.” This phrase is vital in protecting women and children from the growing online threats emerging across today’s social media platforms.
PHILIPPINES IMPROVES SEVEN SPOTS IN GOVERNMENT AI READINESS INDEX
The country ranked 49th out of 195 countries with a score of 57.76 out of a possible 100 in the index, outperforming the regional average of 49.11.
PHILIPPINES AMONG TOP VIEWERS OF YOUTUBE AI SLOP — STUDY
The Philippines ranked as the top 19th country where trending YouTube AI slop channels have the most views, according to new research by video editing platform Kapwing. Filipinos represented 1.16 billion total views on trending AI slop channels.
PCO BACKS CREATION OF FACT-CHECKING BODY
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) expressed support for the creation of an independent fact-checking body, even as it stressed that publicly debunking and coordination with law enforcement remain the government’s primary response to false online content.
WORLD’S 1ST TEEN SOCIAL MEDIA BAN TAKES EFFECT IN AUSTRALIA
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Wednesday that Australia’s implementation of the world-first ban on social media for children under 16 “is one of the biggest social and cultural changes,” stressing “enough is enough.”
SEC TEAMS UP WITH TIKTOK FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION ON FINANCIAL SCAMS
Citing TikTok’s popularity to engage the public through the use of videos, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Commissioner Rogelio Quevedo on Tuesday underscored its importance to educate the public about investment scams and fraud.
GenderScoop December 2025
Seven in ten women human rights defenders, activists and journalists report online violence/
A new UN Women-backed report reveals that 7 in 10 women human rights defenders, activists and journalists have faced online violence in the course of their work — and the digital abuse isn’t staying online. Over 40% also reported offline harm linked to online attacks, showing how digital harassment can spill into real-world danger. This isn’t “just online trolling” — it’s a threat to freedom of expression, democracy, and women’s safety everywhere.
Save the Children champions children’s rights through powerful storytelling
Stories have the power to change the world. Save the Children Philippines just launched a new campaign using powerful storytelling to champion children’s rights and protection — sparking meaningful conversations and inspiring action for a safer, brighter future for every child.
PH launches 2025–2028 nat’l plan vs. child abuse, exploitation
The government has just launched the first national strategic plan (2025–2028) to combat online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, aiming to keep kids safe in today’s digital world. The plan brings together prevention, protection, stronger law enforcement, and partnerships to ensure every child grows up free from harm online.
Technology-Facilitated Violence Against Women and Girls
Technology should empower, not harm. UNDP highlights how technology-facilitated violence against women and girls is silencing voices, threatening safety, and deepening inequality. From online harassment to digital surveillance, these abuses demand urgent action. We need safer digital spaces, stronger protections, and accountability—so women and girls can participate online without fear.
11 minors rescued, 3 suspects in online abuse of kids nabbed
Authorities in Davao rescued 11 minors and arrested three suspects in an operation against online abuse of children.
Philippine Embassy Launches Online Gender and Development (GAD) Corner
The Philippine Embassy in Singapore has launched an online Gender and Development (GAD) Corner to promote awareness, resources, and discussions on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
PH crimes on downtrend as 2025 nears end – PNP
Philippine crime rates are showing a downward trend as 2025 nears its end, according to the PNP.
Actress Angel Aquino victim of ‘deepfake,’ seeks prosecution of perpetrators of cyber pornography |
Actress **Angel Aquino revealed that she was targeted by a deepfake pornographic video using her likeness and is urging authorities to prosecute those responsible under cybercrime laws. She described the misuse of her image as a form of violence against women and called for stronger legal measures to hold perpetrators and platforms accountable for creating or distributing non-consensual explicit material. Aquino’s statement highlights the growing concern over AI-generated deepfakes and the need for tighter protections and enforcement.
Scrolling Toward Change: UNDP Asia-Pacific’s Digital Activism Against Online Violence
UNDP Asia-Pacific highlights how online spaces can become hostile and violent for women and girls, with widespread digital abuse like cyberstalking, deepfakes, and harassment limiting their participation and safety. The initiative called Scrolling Toward Change showcases digital activism and collaborative efforts across the region to strengthen legal protections, reporting systems, and inclusive digital environments to combat online gender-based violence.
Solon pushes amendments to Safe Spaces Act to stop VAW in workplaces
A lawmaker is pushing for amendments to the Safe Spaces Act to strengthen penalties and require public apologies from offenders in order to better address harassment and misconduct. The proposed changes aim to improve protection for victims and ensure more effective enforcement of the law.
11 Children Rescued in Major Anti-OSAEC Operation in Davao Oriental
Police in Mati City, Davao Oriental rescued 11 children, including seven girls and at-risk minors, in a major operation targeting online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC), highlighting ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable youth from exploitation. The successful rescue underscores increased law enforcement action against child exploitation in the region.
Awful but lawful: Confronting technology-facilitated gender-based violence
The World Bank highlights that technology-facilitated gender-based violence—like cyber-harassment, deepfakes, and online stalking—is widespread and often goes unaddressed due to gaps in legal protections around the world. It calls for stronger laws, “safety-by-design” tech measures, and multi-stakeholder cooperation to create safer digital spaces for women and girls.
The opinion piece highlights a viral incident in a Davao City mall where a transgender person was publicly shamed for using the women’s restroom, underscoring ongoing prejudice and the gap between legal protections like the Safe Spaces Act and everyday reality. It calls for respect, inclusivity, and better understanding of gender diversity in public spaces, emphasizing that human dignity should never be negotiable.
Baguio wraps up National Children’s Month with focus on welfare, online safety
Baguio City concluded its National Children’s Month celebration with a focus on children’s welfare and online safety, highlighting activities and initiatives aimed at protecting kids from digital risks and promoting their well-being. The events underscored the local government’s commitment to raising awareness about online threats and ensuring a safer environment for children both offline and online.
Council holds public consultation on VAWC, gender-based violence
The Baguio City Council Committee on Women and Urban Poor, together with the Local Committee Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children (LCAT‑VAWC), held a public consultation to discuss Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) and other forms of gender‑based violence, bringing together local officials and stakeholders to address community concerns. The event aimed to strengthen understanding, improve responses, and promote collaborative efforts to protect women and children from abuse in the city.
“No Means No. Online Too”: ASEAN Launches Regional Campaign to End Online Gender-Based Violence, in Partnership with UNFPA
The ASEAN region, in partnership with UNFPA, launched the “No Means No. Online Too.” campaign to address the rising issue of online gender‑based violence against women, girls, and gender‑diverse people by raising awareness and promoting coordinated action across Southeast Asia. The initiative brings together governments, civil society, youth groups, and digital safety advocates to strengthen digital safety, encourage respectful online behavior, and support survivors of online abuse.
AI tools are being used to subject women in public life to online violence
AI tools are increasingly being weaponized to generate and amplify abusive, misogynistic content that targets women in public life, such as journalists, activists, and human rights defenders, making it easier and faster for perpetrators to harass, silence, and intimidate them online. This surge in AI-assisted online violence not only harms women’s digital presence but can also spill into real-world threats, underscoring the urgent need for better detection tools, legal protections, and platform accountability to safeguard their rights and safety.
UNDP Warns Technology Is Fueling Violence Against Women Worldwide
UNDP’s report highlights that this technology-facilitated violence, including harassment, stalking, and non-consensual use of images, often extends beyond the online world, causing deep psychological, social, and economic harm, and calls for stronger legal protections and international cooperation to better safeguard women and girls.
Silenced voices: Why freedom of expression is receding worldwide
UNESCO’s latest World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development Report shows that freedom of expression is receding globally, with a roughly 10% decline since 2012 and a sharp increase in self-censorship and hostility toward journalists, particularly affecting women and marginalized voices.
Police push digital literacy to protect women, children from cybercrime
Police in the Philippines are promoting digital literacy programs to help women and children better recognize and protect themselves from cybercrime threats such as online sexual exploitation, cyberbullying, identity theft, and grooming. By educating communities on safe online behavior and legal protections, authorities aim to reduce online abuses and encourage parents, teachers, and leaders to work together in safeguarding vulnerable groups in the digital space.
Girl, alleged victim of online sexual abuse, rescued in Iligan City
A 14-year-old girl allegedly subjected to online sexual abuse was rescued in Iligan City on December 4, 2025, during an operation by the Iligan City Police Office’s Task Force Against Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC), resulting in the arrest of a 67-year-old man suspected of grooming and abusing her. Authorities found child sexual abuse or exploitation material during a forensic examination, and the suspect is now detained and facing charges under the Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM Act (RA 11930).
In a new IUCN blog highlighting work in the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia, digital violence—such as online harassment, stalking, and threats—is increasingly being used as a tool to silence Indigenous women environmental human rights defenders and discourage them from speaking out on community rights and environmental protection. This spotlight, part of the Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Environments (RISE) initiative, underscores how gender‑based violence in digital spaces intersects with struggles for land, justice, and nature, and emphasizes the need to support and empower Indigenous women to continue their advocacy safely and effectively.
Philippine National Police adopts new social media evidence protocols
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to implement new protocols for handling social media evidence in criminal investigations following a Supreme Court ruling that outlines how digital content should be authenticated and used in court. These procedures aim to strengthen due process, improve the accuracy of digital evidence handling, and build public trust in online crime investigations.
[Video] ‘Sharenting’ can lead to cyber bullying, identity theft, and online harassment – YouTube
The video explains how “sharenting” — parents sharing excessive photos and information about their children on social media — can unintentionally expose kids to cyberbullying, identity theft, scams, and privacy risks. It highlights the importance of being careful about what and how much personal information parents post online to protect their children’s digital safety.
Deepfakes leveled up in 2025 — here’s what’s coming next
Over 2025, deepfake technology advanced dramatically, with AI-generated faces, voices, and full-body performances becoming far more realistic and widespread online, making synthetic media increasingly hard for ordinary people to distinguish from real content and fueling scams and deception. Looking ahead, experts warn the next phase will bring real-time, interactive deepfakes that behave like real people, pushing defenses to rely more on secure media authentication and AI forensic tools rather than human judgment.
Hontiveros: 2026 budget boosts fight vs online abuse
The article reports that Senator Risa Hontiveros says the 2026 national budget includes increased funding to strengthen the fight against online sexual abuse of women and children and support related enforcement efforts. It highlights that these budget boosts are intended to improve protections and resources for combating online abuse as part of broader national spending priorities.
Australians suspected of being ‘major players’ in Philippine child abuse trade, 13 charged in 2025
In a major law-enforcement operation in 2025, 92 children were rescued from harm in the Philippines and 18 alleged child exploitation facilitators have been charged, including 13 Australians suspected of involvement in the child abuse trade. The coordinated investigation highlights ongoing international efforts to tackle online child sexual exploitation and hold those responsible accountable.
4 victims rescued from cybersex den in Calauag, Quezon
Police’s Anti-Cybercrime Group raided a cybersex den in Calauag, Quezon, rescuing four suspected victims and arresting the couple allegedly running the operation after finding evidence of online sexual exhibition during the warrant service. The suspects are now facing charges under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
AI chatbots exploited to create nonconsensual bikini deepfakes
AI chatbots are being misused to generate nonconsensual “bikini deepfakes” by altering photos of fully clothed people, often without their permission, highlighting a growing risk of image‑based abuse enabled by generative AI tools. Despite safeguards built into many mainstream chatbots, users have found ways to bypass these protections, prompting concerns from digital rights advocates about online harassment and privacy violations.
On and Beyond the Screen: The Reality of Digital Violence
The article highlights how digital technologies have become a new battleground where violence and harassment against women and girls—such as cyberstalking, image‑based abuse, and AI‑enabled threats—inflict real harm, mirroring and amplifying offline gender‑based violence. It calls for systemic change to make tech safe and inclusive, ensuring women’s rights and safety are central to how digital spaces are designed and governed.
Online Violence Against Women Increasingly Becoming Physical, UN Warns
A new UN report warns that online violence against women — including harassment, threats and AI‑amplified abuse — is increasingly spilling out of digital spaces and turning into real‑world harm such as stalking and physical attacks.
[Tech Thoughts] How AI becomes a menace to women
AI is increasingly being misused to fuel online violence against women — from harassment and doxxing to AI‑generated deepfakes — making digital abuse easier at scale and sometimes spilling into real‑world harm and intimidation. This trend, highlighted at Rappler’s Social Good Summit, shows how generative AI can accelerate gender‑based attacks, underscoring the need for stronger protections and accountability.
Stop Tech Misogyny: The Long Chain of Gender-Based Cyber Attacks and Disinformation
The article highlights how gender‑based cyberattacks, disinformation, and digital violence target women’s bodies, reputations, and voices online — often spilling into real‑world harm, psychological trauma, and social or economic consequences for the victims.
AI tools are being used to subject women in public life to online violence
AI tools are increasingly being weaponized to subject women in public life — such as journalists, activists, and human rights defenders — to online violence, generating abusive content at scale and amplifying harassment that can silence their voices and undermine democracy. This misuse of generative AI highlights the urgent need for stronger safeguards, accountability, and protections to prevent digital abuse from translating into real‑world harm.
The article highlights a newsletter from the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) showing how its global network worked in 2025 to defend human rights, confront weaponized technologies, support Indigenous and marginalized communities, and advance digital inclusion and gender and environmental justice through community‑centered tech solutions and collective action.
LGU Tacurong enhances initiatives to promote children’s online safety
The Tacurong City government has stepped up efforts to protect children online by raising awareness about online sexual abuse and exploitation and providing education for both learners and parents on recognizing and addressing digital threats. These initiatives aim to strengthen digital safety, expand protective services, and foster community collaboration to keep children safe in an increasingly connected world.
Misogynistic abuse is a ‘national emergency’ – and it starts online
The Independent editorial argues that violence and misogynistic abuse against women and girls has reached a “national emergency” level that starts online and needs to be treated with the same seriousness and broad preventative action as terrorism, with stronger laws and societal change to protect women and girls.
DSWD rolls out Project SAFE vs online sexual abuse of children
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has launched Project SAFE in Iligan City to fight online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, strengthening awareness, prevention, and protection efforts against digital threats harming minors. This initiative is part of broader government actions to safeguard children’s rights and safety in the digital age.
The Nerve launches The Information Integrity Initiative, Julie Posetti to serve as director
The Nerve, a data forensics lab co‑founded by Rappler CEO Maria Ressa, has launched the Information Integrity Initiative, led by Professor Julie Posetti, to advance research, policy and tools tackling disinformation, online violence and threats to public‑interest information — including alarming new findings on digital abuse against women.
Operation Supak Sparks CHR Probe Over Alleged Anti-Gay Actions in Mindanao
The “Operation Supak” case refers to reports in Maguindanao del Sur where local officials allegedly targeted people perceived to be lesbian or gay, visiting homes, compelling them to report to the barangay hall, and even separating same‑sex couples — actions now being investigated by the Philippine Commission on Human Rights for possible discrimination and rights violations.
CHR urges safer digital environments for women and girls, calls for #VAWFreePH in cyberspace
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is urging stronger efforts to create safer digital environments for women and girls as part of the nationwide push for a #VAWFreePH, highlighting that online spaces must be protected from harassment, abuse, and technology‑facilitated violence just as physical ones are.
House panel OKs stronger Anti-VAWC law as digital, psychological abuse surge
A House panel has approved a measure to strengthen the Anti‑Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) law by expanding its coverage to address the surge in digital and psychological abuse, including online harassment and coercive control, in response to rising cases facilitated by social media and other technologies.
0 Comments