On press freedom, elections and AI: the FMA Digital Rights Round-up (May 1-31, 2025)

On press freedom, elections and AI: the FMA Digital Rights Round-up (May 1-31, 2025)

COMELEC LAUNCHES KAISA PROJECT AHEAD OF DECEMBER BARANGAY, SK POLLS  The Commission on Elections (Comelec) launched on Friday the KAISA Project to kick off the preparations for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) in December. Comelec Commissioner Rey Bulay said that Project KAISA stands for “Katapatan at Integridad para [&he…

Gendered Disinformation in Philippine Politics

Gendered Disinformation in Philippine Politics

“Timid women shouldn’t challenge men. They should be intelligent but they should keep it to themselves or limit their teachings to the bedroom.”

On e-wallets, fraud incidents, and fight for facts: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup

On press freedom, elections, and womens’ rights: The FMA Digital Rights Round-up (April 1-30, 2025)

On press freedom, elections, and womens’ rights: The FMA Digital Rights Round-up (April 1-30, 2025)

POLL BETS URGED TO PUSH FOR POLICIES TO PROMOTE PRESS FREEDOM, DIGITAL RIGHTS Digital rights advocacy organization Foundation for Media Alternatives on Wednesday released a 10-point digital rights electoral agenda to address the “rapid transformation and integration of digital technologies in our daily lives.” According to FMA Executive Director Li…

On women’s rights, elections, and internet connectivity: The FMA Digital Rights Round-up (March 1-31, 2025)

On women’s rights, elections, and internet connectivity: The FMA Digital Rights Round-up (March 1-31, 2025)

PH POISED TO BECOME SE ASIA’S DIGITAL-INFRA POWERHOUSE The data center industry in the Philippines is booming, and the country is on track to become a major hub for digital infrastructure in Southeast Asia. This growth is driven by several factors highlighting the country’s strategic position and its commitment to […]

Three women posing in front of the RightsCon standee

Digital Rights in Southeast Asia After 10 Years: A Reflection from a Gender Rights Advocate

Ten years ago, the Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) co-hosted RightsCon Southeast Asia in Manila in 2015. That event marked my first exposure to a global conference of this nature and my first encounter with the concept of digital rights. At the time, net neutrality was a hot topic, especially […]

RightsCon 2025: Amplifying Young Voices

RightsCon 2025: Amplifying Young Voices

With more than 400 sessions, 2,000 in-person attendees, and numerous networking events, RightsCon 2025 was the perfect avenue for digital rights advocates to gather, collaborate, and strategize how to bring about change in this rapidly evolving digital age.  After working in this field for over two years, I often heard […]

On artificial intelligence, disinformation, and cybersecurity: The FMA Digital Rights Round-up (February 1-28, 2025)

On artificial intelligence, disinformation, and cybersecurity: The FMA Digital Rights Round-up (February 1-28, 2025)

PHILIPPINES REPORTS FOREIGN CYBER INTRUSIONS TARGETING INTELLIGENCE DATA, BUT NO BREACHES Attempts to steal data are wide-ranging, said minister for information and communications Ivan Uy. Advanced Persistent Threats or APTs have repeatedly attempted but failed to infiltrate government systems, suggesting the country’s cyber-defences have hel…

On Women’s Day, FMA calls for better policies for women and girls online

On Women’s Day, FMA calls for better policies for women and girls online

This International Working Women’s Day, the Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) celebrates the rich history and victories of women’s ongoing campaign for equal rights. Tracing its origins to the suffrage movement in 1848, women worldwide have shown how our fundamental freedoms can be won through collective action and constant struggle. [&hellip…

FMA celebrates the 39th EDSA Anniversary; calls for a renewed solidarity against present tyrants

FMA celebrates the 39th EDSA Anniversary; calls for a renewed solidarity against present tyrants

As the country struggles with worsening corruption and power imbalances, there is no better time to commemorate the 1986 People Power Revolution and the hard-fought democracy it afforded the Filipino people at present. Since Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assumed the presidency three years ago, his administration has found ways to water […]

On cybersecurity, internet safety, and elections: the FMA Digital Rights Roundup (January 1-31, 2025)

On cybersecurity, internet safety, and elections: the FMA Digital Rights Roundup (January 1-31, 2025)

IN FORUM, EXPERTS TACKLE DOUBLE-EDGE ROLE OF AI IN PH ELECTIONS ​​The discussion explored the applications of AI, highlighting its potential to streamline research and efficiently process large volumes of data. Experts emphasized that AI could enhance creative social media campaigns, foster differential privacy, and significantly boost productivity…

On press freedom, AI, and elections: the FMA Digital Rights Roundup (December 1-31, 2024)

On press freedom, AI, and elections: the FMA Digital Rights Roundup (December 1-31, 2024)

COA NOTES DEARTH OF DATA PRIVACY OFFICERS DESPITE LAW Despite being compulsory under the law, only 7.7 percent, or 164 of the 2,130 government agencies, had registered their data privacy officers (DPO) and data processing systems (DPS) in 2023, COA noted in its annual report. NBI: LEAKED PRIVATE CONVOS MAY […]

FMA’s 2024 in Publications

FMA’s 2024 in Publications

Between the steady rise of artificial intelligence and the surging cases of online fraud, the year 2024 expanded and challenged the Filipino public’s understanding of internet rights. The rising incidents of identity theft and online scams alone created numerous discussions on privacy and data protection. This vulnerability to cyber crimes [&hellip…

On cybercrimes, internet access, and elections: the FMA Digital Rights Round-up (November 1-30, 2024)

On cybercrimes, internet access, and elections: the FMA Digital Rights Round-up (November 1-30, 2024)

NPC TO CONDUCT DATA PRIVACY PROBE ON GCASH GLITCH In its notice, GCash said that there was no data leakage or personal data breach involved in the recent incident involving alleged unauthorized transactions leading to lost funds of GCash user accounts, according to the NPC.  EGOVPH APP DATA LEAK A […]

On cyber threats, elections and disinformation: the FMA Digital Rights Round-up (October 1-31, 2024)

On cyber threats, elections and disinformation: the FMA Digital Rights Round-up (October 1-31, 2024)

SURVEILLANCE BUSINESS MODEL DRIVES DATA EXPLOITATION, THREATS TO PRIVACY – EXPERT Meredith Whittaker, president of The Signal Foundation, warns of the ‘deeply perverse consequences’ of abusing personal data for various purposes. MARCOS SIGNS VAT ON FOREIGN DIGITAL SERVICES LAW President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed into law on Wednesday a [&helli…

PH Internet pioneer Dr. Rudy Villarica passes away; leaves legacy for accessible <div>Internet for Filipinos</div>

PH Internet pioneer Dr. Rudy Villarica passes away; leaves legacy for accessible <div>Internet for Filipinos</div>

The Foundation for Media Alternatives pays tribute to Dr. Rodolfo Villarica (1933-2024), one of the pioneers who helped Filipinos access the Internet and connect to the rest of the world. Fondly called by friends and peers as Doc Rudy, he was a chemist by training. But when he was inducted […]

On cybersecurity, elections, and press freedom: the FMA Digital Rights Round-up (September 1-30, 2024)

On cybersecurity, elections, and press freedom: the FMA Digital Rights Round-up (September 1-30, 2024)

GSIS ASSURES MEMBER DATA SAFETY AFTER SECURITY BREACH The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) on Friday assured its employees, members, and pensioners that their personal information remains secure following a confirmed security incident involving a compromised administrator account on a test computer. DIGITAL DIVIDE: GROWING RIFT BETWEEN BI…

On Martial Law’s 52nd Anniversary, FMA urges admin to protect truth-tellers, stop censorship

On Martial Law’s 52nd Anniversary, FMA urges admin to protect truth-tellers, stop censorship

When former dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. was beginning to build his empire through unprecedented violence and corruption, he made sure to silence the press first. On this day five years ago, Marcos Sr. declared Martial Law, which led to the shutdown of numerous press outlets and arrests of top news […]

On press freedom, fake news, and cybersecurity: the FMA Digital Rights Round-up (August 1-31, 2024)

On press freedom, fake news, and cybersecurity: the FMA Digital Rights Round-up (August 1-31, 2024)

Philippine court orders regulator to restore license of news site Rappler A Philippine court has ordered the country’s corporate regulator to restore the license of Rappler, a news site co-founded by Nobel laureate Maria Ressa, a prominent critic of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Philippines: IFJ welcomes reversal of Rappler shutdown […]

APrIGF 2024: Reflections on Multistakeholderism and the Future of the Internet

APrIGF 2024: Reflections on Multistakeholderism and the Future of the Internet

Last August 2024, I attended the Asia-Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum in person for the second time. The first time was in 2017, merely a year after I started working on digital rights. The biggest difference is that this year, I went to APrIGF not just as a participant but […]

FMA attends DRAPAC, APrIGF; applauds expansion of digital rights movement in Asia-Pacific

FMA attends DRAPAC, APrIGF; applauds expansion of digital rights movement in Asia-Pacific

The Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) is eager to share with our community the strategies and lessons we picked up from fellow digital rights activists and technologists after participating at the back-to-back Digital Rights in Asia-Pacific (DRAPAC) and Asia-Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) held at the NTUH International Co…

On cybersecurity, internet access, and digitalization: the FMA Digital Rights Round-up (July 1-31, 2024)

On cybersecurity, internet access, and digitalization: the FMA Digital Rights Round-up (July 1-31, 2024)

42 MILLION PEOPLE POSSIBLY AFFECTED BY 2023 PHILHEALTH DATA BREACH The NPC said the affected individuals should be informed of the nature of the breach, how it happened, the data compromised, and protection measures. #IFJBLOG: STANDING WITH THE UNION DESPITE RED-TAGGING Despite promises of change under the Marcos Jr government, […]

Family is Love: Saving LGBTQIA+ Children Through Positive Parenting Strategies

Family is Love: Saving LGBTQIA+ Children Through Positive Parenting Strategies

It is a privilege for LGBTQIA+ kids to have accepting parents considering the reality mentioned earlier. It is a dream for every unaccepted queers to be shielded by parental acceptance against societal demarcation. To aspiring parents or to those who already have an LGBTQIA+ kid, you can still actualize such […]

Imagine A World Like That: Employing Positive Parenting Attitudes to LGBTQIA+ Individuals

Imagine A World Like That: Employing Positive Parenting Attitudes to LGBTQIA+ Individuals

Being a predominantly religious country, the Philippines still has a long way to go before it can truly claim to be a  gay-friendly country. Many Filipinos continue to believe that queers are either a sin or a sickness that requires assistance in transforming themselves to heterosexuality. Parents are one of […]

Chained By Misery in their Sanctuary: The Poor Treatment of the LGBTQIA+ Individuals in the Household

Chained By Misery in their Sanctuary: The Poor Treatment of the LGBTQIA+ Individuals in the Household

The household should be a safe space, where people can be comfortable being their truest selves. In the case of most of the LGBTQIA+ community, it is just like any other spaces in which they conceal their identity to protect themselves against their homophobic parents. They already receive so much […]

On AI, cybersecurity, and elections: the FMA Digital Rights Round-up (June 1-30, 2024)

On AI, cybersecurity, and elections: the FMA Digital Rights Round-up (June 1-30, 2024)

FMA AND DENTSU CREATIVE LEVERAGE GENERATIVE AI TO FIGHT AGAINST DOMESTIC ABUSE IN TIKTOK CAMPAIGN When it comes to retelling accounts of abuse, anonymity is important to protect those involved. Still, there is power when a real person tells their story, as it points to the fact that domestic abuse […]

Rainbows were Meant to Shine

Rainbows were Meant to Shine

As a biological male, everyone—even the people I don’t even know—expects that I will conform to the expectations that come with being a man in a patriarchal society. I am expected to be tough, lack drama in life, be direct, and practical. Like any other type of expectation, it molded […]

FMA calls for better and safer digital spaces this Pride Month

FMA calls for better and safer digital spaces this Pride Month

The Internet can be many things, but above all, it is a vast space for free expression. Many members of the LGBTQIA+ community come online to live their true selves and band together to form social circles of their own. But as in the real world, prejudice and hate also […]

On AI, Press Freedom, and Internet Access: the FMA Digital Rights Round-up (May 1-31, 2024)

On AI, Press Freedom, and Internet Access: the FMA Digital Rights Round-up (May 1-31, 2024)

PH LEADS WORLD IN WORKERS USING AI: MICROSOFT PHILIPPINES According to Microsoft, 86 percent of knowledge workers in the Philippines use AI at work. This is higher than the global average of 75 percent and the regional average of 83 percent. HERE IS HOW MACHINE LEARNING CAN VIOLATE YOUR PRIVACY […]

On Digital Connectivity, AI, and Cybersecurity: The FMA Digital Rights Round-up (April 1-30, 2024)

On Digital Connectivity, AI, and Cybersecurity: The FMA Digital Rights Round-up (April 1-30, 2024)

NPC ISSUES NEW ORDERS ON DATA PROTECTION The National Privacy Commission (NPC) has issued guidelines creating a system that will govern the issuance of the Philippine Privacy Mark (PPM) certificates on public and private organizations and companies that handle and control personal data of Filipino subjects. PBBM SEEKS BEEFED-UP EFFORTS […]

Yes, we’re back! Check the latest scoop now! 

Yes, we’re back! Check the latest scoop now! 

We bring the most recent or up-to-date information on a particular topic or situation about gender & ICT in the Philippines!

On the 30th PH Internet Anniversary, AI, and Online Gender-Based Violence: The FMA Digital Rights Round-up (March 1-31, 2024)

On the 30th PH Internet Anniversary, AI, and Online Gender-Based Violence: The FMA Digital Rights Round-up (March 1-31, 2024)

MICROSOFT TO TRAIN PHILIPPINE WOMEN IN AI, CYBERSECURITY The women will use an online platform to learn how to use Microsoft’s AI tools, including ones powered by OpenAI’s large language models, in order to gain workplace skills and to be able to recognize cybersecurity threats. TESDA,EDUCATION FIRM PARTNER TO OFFER […]

On UNSR Visit, Cybercrimes and Press Freedom: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (January 1-31, 2024)

On UNSR Visit, Cybercrimes and Press Freedom: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (January 1-31, 2024)

UN special rapporteur Khan meets with NPC officials United Nations Special Rapporteur Irene Khan went Tuesday morning to the National Privacy Commission as part of her official country visit to examine the state of rights to freedom of opinion and expression in the country. PH assures UNSR Khan of conducive […]

On cybercrime, disinformation, and Internet access: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (December 1-31, 2023)

On cybercrime, disinformation, and Internet access: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (December 1-31, 2023)

BIZ BUZZ: NPC READIES CHARGES VS PHILHEALTH OFFICIALS FOR DATA LEAK The government’s data privacy watchdog has apparently seen merit in sanctioning the highest officials of Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) for the data leak back in October that involved over 180 million records of personal data of its members. […]

On VAW, cybersecurity, and digital technology: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (November 1-30, 2023)

On VAW, cybersecurity, and digital technology: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (November 1-30, 2023)

MARCOS TO INVESTORS: PHILIPPINES READY FOR AI The Philippines is ready for artificial intelligence (AI), President Marcos said yesterday, as he assured investors that efforts are underway to use the technology to boost the skills of workers and the competitiveness of businesses. DOH VERIFYING ALLEGED COVID-19 LEAKED DATA The Department […]

FMA celebrates Universal Children’s Day, invites everyone to protect children online

FMA celebrates Universal Children’s Day, invites everyone to protect children online

This Universal Children’s Day, the Foundation for Media Alternatives enjoins every one to build a safer digital world for our children. Children enjoys basic human rights as adults do, but they remain to be one of the most vulnerable groups in that they are powerless in upholding and defending their […]

[GenderScoop] October is Cybersecurity Month!

[GenderScoop] October is Cybersecurity Month!

Cybersecurity Awareness Month may not be everyone’s favorite holiday but for civil society organizations, the cybersecurity industry, and digital rights advocates, it can inspire the same love-hate relationship that most people have.  Over the years, the Foundation for Media Alternatives has been educating communities by creating online spaces…

On cybersecurity, AI, and internet freedom: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (October 1- 31, 2023)

On cybersecurity, AI, and internet freedom: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (October 1- 31, 2023)

PHILHEALTH NEGLIGENCE EYED IN DATA BREACH The National Privacy Commission (NPC) is investigating if there was negligence in the handling of personal information and security committed by Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) regarding a recent ransomware attack. PHILHEALTH: 13 MILLION MEMBERS AFFECTED BY DATA BREACH “It is really in the [&…

[Joint Statement] Gaza: Restore telecoms and internet connectivity now

[Joint Statement] Gaza: Restore telecoms and internet connectivity now

Originally posted here -https://www.article19.org/resources/gaza-restore-telecoms-and-internet-connectivity-now/ ARTICLE 19, the MENA Alliance for Digital Rights and dozens of other civil society organisations condemn, in the strongest terms, Israel’s targeting of the means of communication and access to information in Gaza. We are deeply alarmed b…

Joint Statement: Internet Governance Forum must reverse decision to make Saudi Arabia its next host

Joint Statement: Internet Governance Forum must reverse decision to make Saudi Arabia its next host

In a letter to the UN Secretary-General, IFEX and other signatories stress that hosting the next IGF in Saudi Arabia will severely undermine civil society’s ability to participate in the annual meeting, given the great risks to physical and digital safety and security it will pose. This statement was originally […]

On AI, cybercrimes, and digitization: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (September 1- 30, 2023)

On AI, cybercrimes, and digitization: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (September 1- 30, 2023)

PH IS NO. 1 IN DIGITAL ILLITERACY, NO. 2 IN ONLINE CHILD ABUSE – EXECS The Philippines is the world’s first in terms of digital illiteracy and second in terms of online sexual exploitation of children, government officials have disclosed. PHILIPPINES SEES RISING PHISHING SCAMS The number of phishing attacks […]

FMA’s Statement on the 51st anniversary of Martial Law

FMA’s Statement on the 51st anniversary of Martial Law

For years, the rallying call “Never Again, Never Forget” has summed up the Filipino people’s opposition to the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and his family. The slogan, which was popularized after Marcos Sr.’s ouster in 1986, commands us to commit his violent regime to memory, and in so doing, […]

Upholding Press Freedom in the Philippines

Upholding Press Freedom in the Philippines

Today’s second commemoration of the National Press Freedom Day is an opportunity to shine an unrelenting light on the state of press freedom in the country. At a time when the government exerts a monopoly on “truth”, the presence of a critical and independent press is all the more important. […]

GenderScoop: July is National Anti-Trafficking in Persons Awareness Month

GenderScoop: July is National Anti-Trafficking in Persons Awareness Month

The campaign for World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2023 aims to raise awareness of disturbing developments and trends identified by UNODC and calls on governments, law enforcement, public services, and civil society to assess and enhance their efforts to strengthen prevention, identify and support victims, and end impunity. In 2021…

Turn Privacy ON

Turn Privacy ON

Breach of privacy poses real risks to the LGBTQ+ community. As the internet became a space for people to present and embrace their gender identities with relative freedom, nonconsensual disclosure or ‘outing’ of LGBT people’s identification has become common on social media. Revealing someone’s gender identity without their …

[GenderScoop] June is Pride Month and the breach of privacy poses real risks to the LGBTQ+ community. 

[GenderScoop] June is Pride Month and the breach of privacy poses real risks to the LGBTQ+ community. 

As June kicks off, you may notice a rainbow takeover. From online to your local high street, businesses, organizations, institutions, and services are showing their support for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, plus (LGBT+) community for Pride Month 2023. FMA released a key message that breach of privacy poses real […]

[GenderScoop] Safe Spaces Act is now on its 3rd year!

[GenderScoop] Safe Spaces Act is now on its 3rd year!

Today in Herstory  Photo Source: Senator Risa Hontiveros Facebook Page THREE (3) YEARS AGO, Senator Risa Hontiveros welcomed the lapsing into law of a proposed measure that penalizes catcalling, wolf-whistling and other forms of gender-based street harassment against women and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) commun…

GenderScoop: Gendered Disinformation and Deepfakes are real

GenderScoop: Gendered Disinformation and Deepfakes are real

We’re In The News “In the Philippines, the Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) reported that the most prevalent cases of online gender-based violence in 2021 are the non-consensual distribution of intimate images (48.00%), threats of violence or blackmail (41.33%), and deleting, changing, or faking personal data (22.67%).” inq…

GenderScoop: Digital Rights are Women’s Rights

GenderScoop: Digital Rights are Women’s Rights

Last March 10, 2023, FMA attended and paneled the UN CS267 side event titled Cybersafe Against Fake News in New York, USA. Watch Ms Liza Garcia of FMA talk about women and girls’ safety online amid rampant information disorder here! The sixty-seventh session of the Commission on the Status of Women  took place […]

#DigitalTradePH | March 2023 Issue

#DigitalTradePH | March 2023 Issue

Check what we have gathered this March: Southeast Asia business group offers help in developing MSMEs in PHThe pledge of assistance was made during the series of meetings of members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) with top Philippine government officials as part of the continuation […]

IWD 2023: Women’s Coalition Rallies Support for Rural Women in Defense of Land Rights

IWD 2023: Women’s Coalition Rallies Support for Rural Women in Defense of Land Rights

The syndicated estafa case is the most recent of the acts of harassment against them since they were ejected from the land they till in October 2022, according to a statement of Katarungan, a support and advocacy group on peasant and land rights.

GenderScoop: Creating a Safer Internet for Everyone

GenderScoop: Creating a Safer Internet for Everyone

What we have gathered so far: Gender-Based Violence Legislative and policy development Tech for Good or Bad? Safety and Security Beyond the Philippines Help grow awareness on gender & ICT issues in the Philippines. Share this issue and invite your network to subscribe to GenderScoop. 

3 students win OOTB’s essay writing contest on digital rights, security

3 students win OOTB’s essay writing contest on digital rights, security

This is a press release from Out of The Box Media Literacy Initiative. In celebration of Safer Internet Day, non-government organization Out of The Box Media Literacy (OOTB) named 3 high school students as winners for its “Take Ctrl ⇧ Shift Habits” essay writing contest on Tuesday, February 7. The […]

#DigitalTradePH | February 2023 Issue

#DigitalTradePH | February 2023 Issue

Check what we have gathered this February: Check what we have gathered this February: Lawmakers ratify entry to world’s largest trade pact Philippine lawmakers approved Tuesday the country’s entry into the world’s biggest free trade bloc, with supporters arguing it will boost investment and jobs, but detractors warned it could [&h…

GenderScoop: UN Podcast’s Uniting Against Hate, CHR vows to pursue case vs ‘TNVS driver’ Harassment, Case Dismissal of NPC vs. Dado on FB’s Cambridge Analytica Issue

GenderScoop: UN Podcast’s Uniting Against Hate, CHR vows to pursue case vs ‘TNVS driver’ Harassment, Case Dismissal of NPC vs. Dado on FB’s Cambridge Analytica Issue

JANUARY 2023 GenderScoop is a monthly digest on gender & ICT in the Philippines The Women and ICT Development Index (WIDI) survey, which surveyed 26,719 households in the country, showed 84.9% of women and girls aged 15 years and over were mainly using their smartphones as information communication technology (ICT) […]

#DigitalTradePH | January 2023 Issue

#DigitalTradePH | January 2023 Issue

Check what we have gathered this January: Speeding up our digital journey With the imposition of quarantines during the peak of the pandemic and frequent local lockdowns for two years, mobility was severely curtailed. This effectively ground physical economic activity to a halt. Yet, people needed to continue functioning, albeit […]

ID Watch Special Issue (December 2022): SIM Card Registration

ID Watch Special Issue (December 2022): SIM Card Registration

ID Watch is a monthly digest of news and updates about identification systems in the Philippines. View or download the latest issue of ID Watch by clicking on the image below.

PhilSys ends year behind target, cybercrime law amendments included use of PhilSys proposed: ID Watch December 2022

PhilSys ends year behind target, cybercrime law amendments included use of PhilSys proposed: ID Watch December 2022

ID Watch is a monthly digest of news and updates about identification systems in the Philippines. View or download the latest issue of ID Watch by clicking on the image below.

Public consultation for SIM Card Registration rules scheduled, blockchain proposed for PhilSys security: ID Watch November 2022

Public consultation for SIM Card Registration rules scheduled, blockchain proposed for PhilSys security: ID Watch November 2022

ID Watch is a monthly digest of news and updates about identification systems in the Philippines. View or download the latest issue of ID Watch by clicking on the image below.

GenderScoop: Mandatory SIM Card Registration & Women

GenderScoop: Mandatory SIM Card Registration & Women

DECEMBER 2022 GenderScoop is a monthly digest on gender & ICT in the Philippines Mandatory SIM Card Registration Republic Act No. 11934, or the SIM Card Registration Act, was signed into law on October 10, 2022 to help curb scams and other crimes and on December 12,  National Telecommunications Commission […]

#DigitalTradePH December Issue

#DigitalTradePH December Issue

Serafica and Oren underscored the importance of partnerships between the private and public sectors in reducing the digital divide, including the delivery of government plans and programs such as free WiFi projects.

On media killings and digital safety: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (October 15 to November 15, 2022)

On media killings and digital safety: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (October 15 to November 15, 2022)

VIETNAM, THAILAND LEAD IN ASEAN MOBILE EXPERIENCE WHILE PH LAGS: REPORT The Philippines ranked at the bottom in five measures and second to last in a further two categories. Vietnam’s Download Speed Experience score was 9.5 Mbps (57.1%) faster than the Philippines. Read more here. ROMUALDEZ ASSURES SWIFT PASSAGE OF […]

#DigitalTradePH November Issue

#DigitalTradePH November Issue

DTI bats for mandatory gov’t local procurementDTI is set to launch in the next few months the still unnamed e-commerce platform for all local micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from which government agencies must source their supplies. New Philippine Export Development Plan ready by next monthThe next Philippine Export […]

GenderScoop: Tech for Good or Bad?

GenderScoop: Tech for Good or Bad?

NOVEMBER 2022 GenderScoop is a monthly digest on gender & ICT in the Philippines CONCERTED EFFORTS OF DIFFERENT STAKEHOLDERS TO ADDRESS GBV PCW shares efforts toward child rights protection in PH dialogue with United NationsThe Philippine delegation expressed to the Committee its earnest commitment to ensure that children’s rights are [……

SIM Card Registration law passed, lawmakers call for accountability over PhilSys delays: ID Watch September-October 2022

SIM Card Registration law passed, lawmakers call for accountability over PhilSys delays: ID Watch September-October 2022

ID Watch is a monthly digest of news and updates about identification systems in the Philippines. View or download the two latest issues of ID Watch by clicking on the links below: ID Watch September 2022 ID Watch October 2022

GenderScoop: Online Harassment is REAL: Are we doing enough?

GenderScoop: Online Harassment is REAL: Are we doing enough?

SEPTEMBER 2022 GenderScoop is a monthly digest on gender & ICT in the Philippines What we gather this month:Online Sexual Harassment and Non-consensual sharing of videos and images are rampant; ASEAN lawmakers speak about the dangers of disinformation; Judiciary and Law Enforcement Initiatives against Threats, Intimidation and Harassment; Tech …

FMA’s statement on the International Day for Universal Access to Information | September 28, 2022

FMA’s statement on the International Day for Universal Access to Information | September 28, 2022

Information is the crux of democracy. While it can exist on its own, it could be processed and turned into knowledge, which helps citizens make informed decisions not only in their everyday lives but in their political engagements as well. Open access to government-held information can empower the public to […]

Issuance of voter’s certification set to resume, DICT suggests digital version of National ID, Senate sees passage of revised SIM card bill: ID Watch August 2022

Issuance of voter’s certification set to resume, DICT suggests digital version of National ID, Senate sees passage of revised SIM card bill: ID Watch August 2022

ID Watch is a monthly digest of news and updates about identification systems in the Philippines. View or download the current issue of ID Watch by clicking on the image below.

On cybercrime, security, and SIM card registration: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (September 1-15, 2022)

On cybercrime, security, and SIM card registration: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (September 1-15, 2022)

SECURITY EXPERT LAUNCHES UNIFIED CYBERSECURITY PLATFORM CHALLENGES TIn a recent press briefing, Ian Felipe, Trend Micro Philippines country manager, told journalists that local organizations have to act fast because they were identified in Trend Micro’s 2021 Annual Cybersecurity Report as some of the most vulnerable in the region. Read more [&helli…

The problem with ID systems that lack legal gender recognition

The problem with ID systems that lack legal gender recognition

ID systems have an important place in everyday life. They allow people to access essential services and enjoy their rights as citizens of a country. Using them, however, can become problematic when they don’t accurately reflect a person’s identity. This is the case with the Philippines where there are currently […]

On the national press freedom day, joint venture deal, and digitalization: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (August 16-31, 2022)

On the national press freedom day, joint venture deal, and digitalization: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (August 16-31, 2022)

ON THE FIRST OBSERVATION OF NATIONAL PRESS FREEDOM DAY The Philippines observes its first National Press Freedom Day today, August 30, 2022, after former president Rodrigo Duterte signed into law Republic Act No. 11699 on April 13. However, we recognize that continued media repression, threats to free expression, and journalists’ […]

GenderScoop: Addressing Online Gender-Based Violence: What can governments do?

GenderScoop: Addressing Online Gender-Based Violence: What can governments do?

AUGUST 2022 GenderScoop is a monthly digest on gender & ICT in the Philippines What we gather this month:Reports of various forms of gender-based violence continued. How responsive are laws in the Philippines? Are there instances in which we need to rethink about how we deal with gender and ICT? […]

On cyber libel, telco competition, and the new OSAEC law: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (August 1-15, 2022)

On cyber libel, telco competition, and the new OSAEC law: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (August 1-15, 2022)

POLICE ARREST EX-VP CANDIDATE WALDEN BELLO FOR CYBER LIBEL Former vice presidential candidate and Laban ng Masa chairperson Walden Bello was arrested for two counts of cyber libel by the police on Monday, August 8. Bello’s arrest was confirmed by his executive secretary and Laban ng Masa spokesperson Leomar Doctolero. […]

Solons propose SIM card registration, ‘plaza-type’ distribution eyed for unclaimed nat’l IDs, national ID cited as priority in SONA: ID Watch July 2022

Solons propose SIM card registration, ‘plaza-type’ distribution eyed for unclaimed nat’l IDs, national ID cited as priority in SONA: ID Watch July 2022

ID Watch is a monthly digest of news and updates about identification systems in the Philippines. View or download the current issue of ID Watch by clicking on the image below.

On the vision for tech, better internet speed, and online (and offline) violence: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (July 16-31, 2022)

On the vision for tech, better internet speed, and online (and offline) violence: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (July 16-31, 2022)

DIGITAL SERVICES TAX, DIGITAL GOV’T SERVICES: TECH PRIORITIES FROM SONA 2022 President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, July 25, addressed Congress in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), with some points of his 74-minute speech touching on technology-related issues. President Marcos Jr.’s 19 priority bills include the E-Government [&…

GenderScoop: Soaring Numbers of OGBV, Policy Development in Gender and ICT, Liability of Internet Intermediaries in the Protection of Women’s Rights and Automation and Digitization Efforts to Bridge Gender Digital Divide

GenderScoop: Soaring Numbers of OGBV, Policy Development in Gender and ICT, Liability of Internet Intermediaries in the Protection of Women’s Rights and Automation and Digitization Efforts to Bridge Gender Digital Divide

GenderScoop is a monthly digest on gender & ICT in the Philippines July 2022: Soaring Numbers of OGBV, Policy Development in Gender and ICT, Liability of Internet Intermediaries in the Protection of Women’s Rights and Automation and Digitization Efforts to Bridge Gender Digital Divide What we gather this month: Instances […]

Government eyes printable version of national ID, Marcos cites PhilID issuance as key to addressing food crisis: ID Watch June 2022

Government eyes printable version of national ID, Marcos cites PhilID issuance as key to addressing food crisis: ID Watch June 2022

ID Watch is a monthly digest of news and updates about identification systems in the Philippines. View or download the current issue of ID Watch by clicking on the image below.

On initiatives against cybercrime, disinformation, and building hybrid online learning: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (July 1-15, 2022)

On initiatives against cybercrime, disinformation, and building hybrid online learning: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (July 1-15, 2022)

FAKE JOB TEXT SCAMS LIKELY TO PERSIST AS JOBLESSNESS WORSENS Rising indices of Cybercriminals using text messages to trick mobile phone users into visiting malicious websites to obtain their personal information, including banking information, credit cards, and addresses. Authorities have attributed the cause of these incidents to rising unemployme…

On digital transactions, online investment scams, policy and reforms in the digital sector: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (16-30, 2022)

On digital transactions, online investment scams, policy and reforms in the digital sector: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (16-30, 2022)

SC: PHOTOS, MESSAGES FROM FB MESSENGER ADMISSIBLE AS EVIDENCE The Supreme Court (SC) has ruled that photos and messages obtained by private individuals from a Facebook messenger account are admissible as evidence in court. The ruling was based on a 31-page decision by Justice Jhosep Y. Lopez after the conviction […]

GenderScoop: Online Gender-based Violence, the Role of Internet Intermediaries and Initiatives to address Gender Digital Divide

GenderScoop: Online Gender-based Violence, the Role of Internet Intermediaries and Initiatives to address Gender Digital Divide

What's the scoop this month on gender and ICT in the Philippines? We continue to see manifestations of gender-based violence online, policy development on gender, role of internet intermediaries and some initiatives to address gender digital divide. Subscribe now to GenderScoop and check out the latest issue today! http://eepurl.com/hS9aLP

On internet infrastructure, cybersecurity and the fight against disinformation disorder: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (June 1-15, 2022)

On internet infrastructure, cybersecurity and the fight against disinformation disorder: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (June 1-15, 2022)

STARLINK SET TO DELIVER BREAKTHROUGH INTERNET SERVICES TO PH SOON The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) speedily approved SpaceX-Starlink’s requirements that will allow the country to enjoy breakthrough internet services through the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network constellation consisting of over 1,600 satellite…

GenderScoop: Reaching for inclusivity, leveraging platforms for empowerment and fight vs. disinformation

GenderScoop: Reaching for inclusivity, leveraging platforms for empowerment and fight vs. disinformation

GenderScoop is a monthly digest on gender & ICT in the Philippines May 2022 scoop: Reaching for inclusivity, leveraging platforms for empowerment and fight vs. disinformation What we gather this month: Manifestations of gender-based violence (OGBV) offline and online. Reports of various forms of gender-based violence continued. How respons…

On Election Standards, Defending Freedom of Speech and Press Freedom, and Upholding Historical Truth: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (May 16-31, 2022)

On Election Standards, Defending Freedom of Speech and Press Freedom, and Upholding Historical Truth: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (May 16-31, 2022)

INT’L OBSERVERS: MAY 9 PH VOTE FALLS SHORT OF FREE, FAIR ELECTION STANDARDS The election was “not free and fair”. Séverine De Laveleye, a Belgian parliamentarian, said this as she presented the interim report of the International Observer Mission (IOM) on the May 9 elections. The IOM, which was launched […]

On Election Hacking Attempts, Disinformation in Social Media Platforms, and Vote Buying: The FMA Digital Rights Round-up (May 1-15, 2022)

On Election Hacking Attempts, Disinformation in Social Media Platforms, and Vote Buying: The FMA Digital Rights Round-up (May 1-15, 2022)

PPCRV FINDS 1.6% MISMATCH IN ELECTION RETURNS The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), the private sector partner of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported mismatches between the printed election returns (ERs) and those sent to the poll body’s transparency server. Van dela Cruz, the spokesperson for the PPCRV, […]

GenderScoop: Elections, disinformation against women, and fighting for ‘digital rights’

GenderScoop: Elections, disinformation against women, and fighting for ‘digital rights’

April 2022 Scoop: Elections, disinformation against women, and fighting for ‘digital rights’ What we gather this month: Manifestations of online gender-based violence (OGBV). Incidence of OGBV continued, pressing concerns on safe online spaces for women.  Danish national nabbed for sharing photos, videos of Fili…

On the veto of the SIM Card Registration Ace, Election-related initiatives, and the Junking of Cyberlibel Raps: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (April 16-30, 2022)

On the veto of the SIM Card Registration Ace, Election-related initiatives, and the Junking of Cyberlibel Raps: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (April 16-30, 2022)

DUTERTE VETOES SIM REGISTRATION BILL DUE TO MANDATORY REGISTRATION OF SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS Pres. Rodrigo Duterte has vetoed the proposed Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Card Registration Act, Malacañang said on April 15. The provision ordering the mandatory registration of social media accounts prompted Duterte to veto the measure, acting preside…

Malapit na ang eleksyon! Anong meron? Makilahok sa mga ganap ng Foundation for Media Alternatives

Malapit na ang eleksyon! Anong meron? Makilahok sa mga ganap ng Foundation for Media Alternatives

Malapit na ang eleksyon! Sundan ang mga usapin at makilahok sa mga ganap ng FMA sa susunod na linggo. April 22 (Bukas) – Philippine Digital Rights Electoral Agenda | Youth Launch kasama ang UP Internet Freedom Network – via Facebook Live and YouTube Live April 28 (Martes) – Twitter’s Policy Efforts on Fair […]

Women’s Rights Advocates Condemn the Objectification of Women at a UniTeam Rally

Women’s Rights Advocates Condemn the Objectification of Women at a UniTeam Rally

A video taken from a BBM-Sara rally is currently being shared in various social media platforms. The video features a scantily clad woman dancing provocatively as some form of entertainment during the official campaign activity. We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, this flagrant objectification of women, on the very […]

On Meta’s Takedowns, the COMELEC Task Force and Election Information Disorder: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup | April 1-15, 2022

On Meta’s Takedowns, the COMELEC Task Force and Election Information Disorder: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup | April 1-15, 2022

COMELEC FORMS TASK FORCE TO GO AFTER PEDDLERS OF FALSE INFO VS POLL BODY The Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc approved the creation of a task force that seeks to crack down on individuals and entities propagating election-related disinformation – specifically against the poll body. Commissioner George Garcia said […]

World March of Women-Pilipinas condemns in the strongest manner possible the lewd and pornographic sites set up by unscrupulous groups

World March of Women-Pilipinas condemns in the strongest manner possible the lewd and pornographic sites set up by unscrupulous groups

The World March of Women-Pilipinas for Leni, through its national coordinator, Jean Enriquez, condemns in the strongest manner possible the lewd and pornographic sites set up by unscrupulous groups who consider the Leni-Kiko campaigners as enemies. “This is the legacy of sexism, machismo, and misogyny of the current administration that [&hell…

Safeguarding Digital Rights Amid the Philippine Elections

Safeguarding Digital Rights Amid the Philippine Elections

On April 9, Engage Media is organizing an online event titled “Safeguarding Digital Rights Amid the Philippine Elections”. Prof. Nicole Curato and Dr. Jonathan Ong will share their insights on online disinformation, trolls, influencers, and other digital threats to democracy. Panel reactors include Atty. Rona Ann Caritos of LENTE Phi…

GenderScoop: Online violence as ‘real-world violence’, surfacing feminist lens on the borderlessness of the Internet

GenderScoop: Online violence as ‘real-world violence’, surfacing feminist lens on the borderlessness of the Internet

GenderScoop is a monthly digest on gender & ICT in the Philippines March 2022 scoop: Recognizing online violence as ‘real-world violence’, surfacing feminist lens on the borderlessness of the Internet What we gather this month: Manifestations of online gender-based violence (OGBV). Incidence of ICT-facilitat…

On election disinformation, Smartmatic leak and the Public Service Act: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (March 1-31, 2022)

On election disinformation, Smartmatic leak and the Public Service Act: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup (March 1-31, 2022)

DUTERTE SIGNS AMENDMENTS TO PUBLIC SERVICE ACT President Duterte has signed into law the measure amending the Public Service Act (PSA), saying this will help the economy recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. In his speech, the President thanked Congress for the “timely ratification of the amendment of […]

On satellite internet, cyber attacks and cyebr-libel: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup

On satellite internet, cyber attacks and cyebr-libel: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup

‘EVEN RIZAL USED A PSEUDONYM’: DUTERTE URGED TO VETO SIM CARD REGISTRATION OVER PRIVACY CONCERNS Internet freedom and ICT rights advocacy group Democracy.Net.PH on Wednesday urged President Rodrigo Duterte through a written petition to veto the SIM Card Registration Act, saying it has flawed and unclear provisions that violate freedom […

Statement on International Women’s Day 2022

Statement on International Women’s Day 2022

Cancel the culture of misogyny, sexism offline and online; use technology for activism! International Women’s Day is a global day of celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to continue women’s activism and use technology for empowerment and gender equality amid […]

GenderScoop: Safer internet? Combatting online persecution of women, exploitation of girls, and the dangers of SIM registration

GenderScoop: Safer internet? Combatting online persecution of women, exploitation of girls, and the dangers of SIM registration

GenderScoop is a monthly digest on gender & ICT in the Philippines February 2022 scoop: Weaponization of ICT against women and girls, initiatives for safer and inclusive internet, and clamor regarding the SIM card registration bill What we gather this month: State initiatives. Policy efforts on recognizing online dimension of gender-based …

On Fake News, Cybercrime, and Vetoing the SIM Card Registration Act: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup

On Fake News, Cybercrime, and Vetoing the SIM Card Registration Act: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup

February 16-28, 2022 The Digital Rights Roundup, published by the Foundation for Media Alternatives, contains regular updates on what Filipinos need to know about their digital rights. Philippines’s Mandatory SIM Card Registration Threatens Privacy and Free Speech The Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Card Registration Act, ratified recently by the …

Veto the SIM Card Registration Bill, Protect Fundamental Human Rights

Veto the SIM Card Registration Bill, Protect Fundamental Human Rights

#VetoSimCardReg #VetoSocMedReg We, a group of concerned organizations and individuals from all over the world, call on Philippine president, Rodrigo Duterte, to veto the country’s proposed SIM Card Registration Act given the serious threat it poses to human rights, particularly the right to privacy and free expression. If enacted, it […]

On internet services, digital transactions, and the SIM card registration: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup

On internet services, digital transactions, and the SIM card registration: The FMA Digital Rights Roundup

February 1-15, 2022 The Digital Rights Roundup, published by the Foundation for Media Alternatives, contains regular updates on what Filipinos need to know about their digital rights. PCCI, DICT partner for satellite broadband connectivity The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has partnered with the Department of Information and [&…