Digital Rights Round-up (July 1 to 31, 2026)
Digital Rights Round-up (July 1 to 31, 2026)
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Executive Order No. 119, titled “Updating the Government Data Classification, Establishing a Data Residency Framework, and for Other Purposes,” establishing a modern, risk-based framework that strengthens government data protection while creating a more predictable environment for digital infrastructure investments.
EXPLAINER: WHAT IS PAX SILICA AND WHY ARE PEOPLE WORRIED?
With artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly developing, countries are racing to keep up — and the United States is hoping to take the lead through Pax Silica. Pax Silica is a US-led initiative and economic security framework that hopes to create a global supply chain for AI and the semiconductor industry. The Philippines is among 24 country signatories in this agreement.
FACEBOOK IS TOP SOURCE OF ONLINE NEWS AMONG FILIPINOS: PULSE ASIA SURVEY
Almost all Filipino adults use Facebook as their primary source of online news, based on a Pulse Asia survey released Monday. Ninety-one percent of respondents to Pulse Asia’s latest survey on internet and social media use said they get news from Facebook when asked where they “read, listen to, or watch news on social media, online, or on the internet.”
7 IN 10 FILIPINOS SEE FAKE NEWS AS BIG PROBLEM
Seven out of 10 Filipino adults, or 72 percent, consider disinformation a big problem in the Philippines, with Facebook emerging as the top online news source (91 percent), according to the latest Pulse Asia Survey released on Monday.
DICT: EO 119 TO BOOST DATA SECURITY, ATTRACT DIGITAL INVESTMENTS
“Data is the foundation of our digital future. We must protect critical government information while ensuring that the Philippines remains open to innovation, cloud technologies, and global digital partnerships,” DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said in a statement on Thursday.
PH CAN BE NEXT SOUTHEAST ASIA HUB FOR AI DATA CENTERS, SAYS STT GDC CHIEF
The Philippines has a rare opportunity to become Southeast Asia’s next major hub for artificial intelligence and cloud computing, but only if it moves fast enough to build the digital infrastructure needed to keep pace with soaring demand.
SCIENTISTS, ENVIRONMENTALISTS, FARMERS HIT PAX SILICA AI HUB
On July 13, a coalition of scientists, environmentalists and farmers marched in Manila toward the US Embassy to oppose the proposed Pax Silica artificial intelligence (AI) industrial hub to be built in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.
MMDA, DICT LAUNCH NO-CONTACT APPREHENSION SERVICES ON EGOVPH APP
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Thursday launched the integration of the Non-Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) Online Violation and Payment System into the eGovPH Super App.
900 MILLION AND COUNTING: EGOVPH’S RISE SIGNALS GOVERNMENT’S DIGITAL LEAP
The government’s flagship eGovPH application has processed more than 900 million transactions after posting a 700-percent increase in usage and integrating 1,323 government systems, underscoring the country’s accelerating shift toward digital public services.
GLOBE OPPOSES DIGITAL BAN ON KIDS
Telco-to-tech giant Globe Telecom Inc. has opposed legislative proposals that will prevent children 18 years and below from accessing social media, backing calls for targeted regulation rather than a blanket ban.
‘PHILIPPINES INTERNET QUALITY BARELY READY FOR AI WORKLOADS’
The Philippines may be dreaming of becoming a digital powerhouse in Asia-Pacific, but the quality of its 5G network struggles to meet artificial intelligence (AI) workloads. In a study, Ookla said the Philippines has failed to meet some of the minimum requirements for higher AI tasks, particularly augmented reality (AR), exposing gaps in its digital push.
PNP FOCUSES ON TRANSNATIONAL ONLINE GROUPS PROMOTING VIOLENCE TO KIDS
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has stepped up cyber monitoring of online sites and other transnational online groups as part of the efforts to protect minors from violent extremism.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. made the commitment after it was revealed during the Senate hearing on the Tacloban City gun attack that the two minors involved may have been exposed to the alleged “adult groomer” under the so-called “764 Network,” which has been identified as a transnational online group of violent extremists.
SURVEY: 93% OF PINOY INTERNET USERS ENCOUNTER SCAM ATTEMPTS
MORE than half of Filipino internet users have already fallen victim to cybercrime, even as nearly all of them believe their online habits are safe, according to a new study that lays bare a widening gap between confidence and conduct in the country’s digital life.
NPC REMINDER: TAKING, UPLOADING CONTENT WITHOUT CONSENT MAY VIOLATE PRIVACY
The National Privacy Commission is reminding the public that taking photos or videos of individuals without consent may be covered by the Data Privacy Act of 2012, as a person’s face is considered personal information.
PROPOSED SOCIAL MEDIA BAN FOR MINORS MAY POSE SECURITY, PRIVACY RISKS
A PROPOSED social media ban for Filipinos under 16 years old may do more harm than good and still fail to keep them off the internet, with identity verification requirements also likely to create data governance issues, stakeholders said.
PPP: COPS ‘HARASSING’ PHOTOJOURNALISTS CLEAR VIOLATION OF PRESS FREEDOM
The Press Photographers of the Philippines (PPP) on Wednesday condemned the alleged harassment of police officers on two photojournalists, describing it as a “clear violation of press freedom.” This statement came after photojournalists Bullit Marquez and Rene Dilan were reportedly harassed by police officers as they were covering the protests in line with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Pasay City on Wednesday.
THE MEDIA’S CRISIS OF TRUST: PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER
The Philippine Daily Inquirer’s editorial team asserts that protecting journalists is not merely a matter of safeguarding a profession but defending the public’s right to know.
PNP RENEWS COMMITMENT TO PROTECT MINORS FROM ONLINE HARM
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has reaffirmed its resolve to safeguard children from online harm as it ordered stronger law enforcement measures against individuals and groups exploiting minors through digital platforms.
MARCOS TOUTS AI UPSKILLING, CALLS FOR ONLINE PROTECTIONS VS. VIOLENCE, ‘FAKE NEWS’
During his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos said the government would continue expanding AI literacy and workforce development programs, arguing that the Philippines must prepare for a future where AI becomes embedded across industries.
SOCIAL MEDIA BAN FACES OPPOSITION FROM CHILD RIGHTS GROUP
Save the Children Philippines has reiterated its opposition to proposals that would impose a blanket ban on social media access for minors, arguing that such a policy could unintentionally expose children to greater risks while limiting their rights to education, participation, and access to information.
PNP EXPANDS SCHOOL-BASED SAFETY DRIVE VS. CRIME, ONLINE THREATS
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the initiative builds on recent awareness activities conducted by the Police Community Affairs and Development Group (PCADG) and local police units, which seek to educate students on personal safety and encourage them to become responsible members of their communities.
HOW MARCOS’ DIGITAL PLANS HAVE FARED, A YEAR AFTER SONA 2025
In his 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. reiterated his desire for a country with stronger internet connectivity. One year later, how has his administration fared in realizing this goal?
PHL CYBERTHREATS RISING AS CRIMINALS USE AI TO SCALE ATTACKS
The company’s latest Cyber Threat Landscape Report based on data from its cyberthreat monitoring platform Viettel Threat Intelligence showed that bad actors are now using multiple techniques and tapping rapidly evolving AI technologies to scale their cyberattacks.
CYBERSECURITY FIRM BACKS DICT WARNING ON PUBLIC WI-FI RISKS
For one, the DICT advised the public against accessing their banking apps, or mobile applications, when connected to public Wi-Fi; verify if the Wi-Fi is legitimate; turn off auto-connect on their mobile phones; and log out of their accounts after use.
MOST PINOYS SAY THEY ARE SAFE ONLINE BUT STUDY POINTS TO RISKY HABITS
Filipinos are among the most confident in Asia-Pacific when it comes to their online safety, but a new study by insurtech firm bolttech suggests that confidence is not matched by behavior, leaving many exposed to scams and cybercrime.
78% OF FILIPINO WORKERS USE AI, BUT WORRY ABOUT WEAKER THINKING
Artificial intelligence has become part of the daily work routine for many Filipino employees. The worry now is whether it is helping them think better, or making them think less.
GROUPS CALL OUT ANTI-DISINFO BILLS GIVING GOV’T POWER TO TAKE DOWN SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS
A broad front of journalists, academics, civil society groups, and professionals is forming to oppose proposed legislation on disinformation. They say that efforts to curb disinformation on social media could end up worsening the problem rather than solving it.
ANTI-DISINFORMATION BILL PROTECTS JOURNALISTS WITH STRONGER SAFEGUARDS
The House-approved anti-disinformation bill further protects journalists and legitimate media work, with journalists and media organizations helping strengthen safeguards to ensure the measure cannot be used to suppress legitimate reporting or dissent.
DEPED COLLABS WITH PNP, DICT VS. ONLINE TERRORIST GROOMERS
The DepEd sought the assistance of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to handle modern cyber threats.
In an interview, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said these agencies can monitor the large-scale online risks against learners.
GENDERSCOOP
COURT: FACEBOOK VAWC VIOLATIONS CARRY HIGHER CYBERCRIME PENALTY
The court said that the statute stands even if the criminal Information does not expressly mention “information and communications technology” (ICT), as long as the use of the social media platform is clearly alleged and proven during trial.
TARLAC WOMAN NABBED FOR ONLINE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF 2 MINOR DAUGHTERS
In an interview with reporters on Wednesday, NBI spokesperson Palmer Mallari said the bureau’s investigation revealed that the woman supposedly used the WhatsApp mobile application to communicate with foreign nationals and arrange online sexual activities involving her children aged nine and three.
NATIONWIDE SAFE SHELTERS FOR GENDER-BASED ABUSE SURVIVORS SOUGHT
House Bill No. 10044, or the “Bahay Kanlungan Act of 2026,” aims to ensure that survivors — regardless of gender, age, or sexual orientation — have immediate access to protection, temporary shelter, and support services to help them recover and rebuild their lives.
SC DRIVES REFORM ON GENDER SENSITIVITY TRAINING
The Supreme Court (SC) has trained more than 1,000 judges, clerks of court, legal researchers, stenographers and other court personnel nationwide under its Gender Sensitivity Training program to foster inclusivity across the Philippine judiciary, officials said.
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