Digital Rights Round-up (July 1 to 31, 2026) PRESIDENT MARCOS SIGNS EO 119, UNLOCKING DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE GROWTH AND STRENGTHENING PHILIPPINE DATA SECURITY 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,” es…

Privacy Starts Local: Pilot Conduct and MOA Signing in Naga City Last February 25, the Foundation for Media Alternatives and Naga City Government signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) which will serve as the foundation of a continuing effort and collaboration on the implementation of data protection program for offices […]

A Gamer’s Take on Privacy in Online Gaming By: JB San Miguel, FMA Intern Why is it important that we address digital privacy in online gaming? Why should you be concerned? The global market size, or the potential revenue that could be generated by the industry is 225.28 billion USD […]

Digital Platforms as a Breeding Ground for Extremism and Radicalization On the 22nd of June, the San Jose National High School in Tacloban City suffered an armed attack, a school shooting carried out by two teenage students, aged 14 and 15. In its wake, 3 students were killed, and 20 […]

Digital Rights Round-up (June 1 to 30, 2026) DIGITAL RIGHTS ADVOCATES GATHER IN PH, SEEK GREATER PUBLIC ROLE IN ASEAN DIGITAL POLICIES Held as the Philippines chairs ASEAN in 2026, the conference brought together delegates to discuss issues ranging from digital governance and online freedoms to the growing influence of […]

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Addressing the rapid expansion of top-down digital platform regulations across Southeast Asia, a coalition of regional civil society organisations (CSOs) successfully concluded a strategic dialogue at the Digital Rights Asia-Pacific Assembly (DRAPAC 2026). The session, titled “(Re)Imagining a Multistakeholder Model for D…

Between Innovation and Vulnerability: The Philippine Digital Landscape in 2025 2025 Digital Rights Report By: Foundation for Media Alternatives 2025 was a pivotal year for the Philippines’ digital landscape. Efforts were made to expand connectivity,  including initiatives under the Konektadong Pinoy Act and broader campaigns for digital inclusion, …

Regulating Risk: The 20th Congress of the Philippines Response to Artificial Intelligence By: Shreya Menon, Alternatives Intern  Artificial intelligence (AI), though existing for decades, has undoubtedly changed the world we live in over the past few years.   Although this newfound technology has brought innovation and accessibility across many fie…

Digital Rights Round-up (May 1 to 31, 2026) PNP PUSHES STRONGER LAWS VS TROLL FARMS, AI DEEPFAKES The Philippine National Police supported proposed laws targeting AI-driven cyber threats such as deepfakes and troll farms, emphasizing that AI-powered disinformation and coordinated online harassment pose serious national security risks that require s…

Mainstreaming FIMI The Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) did two activities in relation to Mainstreaming FIMI. The first activity was the conduct of a focus group discussion (FGD) with two participant groups – women in urban communities, and young people (high school students). The second activity is the development of […]

Healing, Care, and Digital Justice Recognizing Mental Health Providers and Supporting Survivors of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence “Mental health support is essential in helping survivors of online gender-based violence reclaim their sense of safety, dignity, and agency. Care work, especially in digital spaces shaped by inequality and …

Digital Rights Round-up (April 1 to 30, 2026) SENATE BILL SEEKS SOCIAL MEDIA BAN FOR USERS UNDER 16 A Senate bill filed by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian seeks to ban children under 16 from using social media, requiring strict age verification and platform safeguards to protect minors from harmful online environments. […]

Understanding Technology-Facilitated Gender-based Violence (TFGBV) in the Philippines Since 2012, the Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) has documented 738 cases of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) in the Philippines through its ongoing mapping effort. These cases were sourced from media reports, online correspondences from…

The 20th Congress of the Philippines and Its Efforts Against Gender-Based Violence By: Shreya Menon, Alternatives Intern at FMA The 20th Congress of the Philippines, which commenced on July 28 2025, has introduced several legislative proposals aimed at addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in both physical and digital spaces. With the […]

“Hey Friend”: Standing with Survivors of Online Abuse Digital spaces are essential for communication, self-expression, and connection, but they can also be unsafe, especially for women and gender-diverse people. Harassment, cyberstalking, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images are some examples of technology-facilitated gender-based viol…

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 [……

Digital Rights Round-up (February 1 to 28, 2026) SOCIAL MEDIA REGISTRATION TO BURDEN ORDINARY USERS, CURTAIL SPEECH — RIGHTS ADVOCATES Digital rights advocates are urging the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to scrap its planned mandatory identification verification for social media users, citing “serious effects…

FMA Joins Women’s Groups Demanding Perpetrators’ Accountability on International Women’s Day 2026 The World March of Women – Pilipinas leaders filed an administrative and criminal complaint, based on several laws, against House Representative Jesus “Bong” Suntay after a series of sexually objectifying remarks against an actor, subsequently ju…

2025 Year-End Data Mapping on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) in the Philippines Gender-based violence remains a critical concern in the Philippines, affecting the safety, dignity, and rights of women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals. With the rapid expansion of digital technologies and online platforms, traditional forms…

Love Month or Control Month? Confronting Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence February is the month of hearts, chocolates, and grand gestures of love. But for too many women and marginalized genders, it is also a stark reminder that love and intimacy in the digital age are not always safe. Behind the filtered […]

Joint Statement Calling for the Immediate Scrapping of DICT’s Department Circular on Mandatory Social Media Verification We, the undersigned organizations and advocates for digital rights, express our apprehension over the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) draft Department Circular proposing mandatory identity v…

DIGITAL RIGHTS ROUND-UP (January 1 to 31, 2026) PHILIPPINES EYES MANDATORY SOCIAL MEDIA USER VERIFICATION TO CURB ABUSE THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) plans to require all social media users in the Philippines to undergo identity verification, a proposal officials say is meant to curb online abuse, […]

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 …

TFGBV in 2026: A New Year, New Digital Threats to Women and Girls As the world enters 2026, technology continues to reshape how people communicate, work, and participate in public life. While digital tools have opened new opportunities for empowerment, they have also intensified Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV), a growing [&hell…

Image-Based Abuse in the Philippines: Why “Consent Matters” In the Philippines, sharing intimate photos or videos of a person without their permission – whether publicizing, distributing or threatening to expose them – is not only wrong, it’s also a crime. Unfortunately, many still do not realize just how serious the […]

KnowTheLaw: Protecting Women from Tech-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Knowledge is power and when it comes to countering Tech-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV), understanding our rights is essential. On the 10th day of the nationwide 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, we highlight key Philippine laws that safeguard women and …

Strengthening Digital Inclusion Through Digital Safety: Understanding TFGBV at the PH CCCI Bootcamp 2025 The Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) underscored the importance of integrating digital safety into community connectivity efforts during the Philippine Community-Centered Connectivity Initiatives (PH CCCI) Bootcamp, held from November 26–…

Digital Rights Roundup (November 1 to 30, 2025 DICT CALLS ON PUBLIC TO BE WARY OF ONLINE SOURCES The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is urging every Filipino to be critical of the information they read and share online, saying the cautious use of digital platforms is key […]

Bulatlat Wins Landmark Case Against Philippine Government Censorship In a significant legal victory for press freedom and free speech, Bulatlat, an independent news organization committed to human rights journalism, has emerged victorious in its battle against government censorship. The Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 104 recently rul…

Women Human Rights Defenders in the Philippines Face Escalating Personal Attacks Online November 29 is International Women Human Rights Defenders Day to honor women human rights defenders (WHRDs) for their courage and commitment to upholding human rights. It acknowledges the vital role WHRDs play in fighting for civil, political, economic, [&hellip…

Understanding TFGBV “Am I a victim of TFGBV? What even is TFGBV?” Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) is a new and necessary term that emerged in response to the rapid growth of technology and its harms on people’s lives. Over the years, digital rights advocates may have used terms like cyberbullying […]

Empowering Women in the Digital Age: 18 Days to End Violence Against Women November 25 – December 12, 2025 | Philippines Every click, post, and message shapes the way we connect in today’s digital world. But for many women and girls, the internet can also be a space of fear, […]

FMA at Miriam College’s Cybersecurity Seminar: Understanding Why We Post and How to Stay Safe Online Every post we share online tells a story about who we are – our interests, emotions, opinions, and even our routines. For many of us, social media has become a daily space for self-expression, […]

On November 4, 2025, the Philippine Media and Information Literacy Conference opened with the theme “Truth Under Fire: Empowering Critical Thinking in the Age of AI.” The event was organized by THINKaMuna Pilipinas and MediaQuest Holdings Inc., in partnership with UNESCO. The conference featured keynote speaker Senator Bam Aquino, who […]

Statement on the DICT Cyberattack Warning: A Feminist Call for Digital Empowerment The Department of Information and Communications Technology – DICT has warned of possible cyberattacks on November 5, 2025, in the form of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) or “traffic flood” attacks. They mainly cause slowdowns or temporary inaccessibility …

STUDENTS, SCHOOLS PRIORITIZED UNDER KONEKTADONG PINOY ACT, DICT DIRECTOR SAYS Castro underscored that the law complements the Free Wi-Fi Act, which is tasked with providing free internet in public places, including schools to ensure learners and educators gain consistent and reliable online access for teaching and learning. PH SIGNS LANDMARK [&hell…

Kuala Lumpur/ Jakarta / Manila / Bangkok: 24 November 2025 — The 15th meeting of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) Negotiating Committee is scheduled to take place from 24 to 28 November in Kuala Lumpur.  Civil society organizations from across ASEAN reiterate calls for greater transparency and meaningful public engagement [&hell…

Why Digital Security is a Feminist Issue for Women with Disabilities In today’s connected world, going online isn’t just a luxury but a lifeline. From messaging apps and social media to telehealth and education, digital tools help us work, connect, and express ourselves. But for many women with disabilities, the […]

Every time a woman logs into a digital platform, she brings with her not just her voice, but her vulnerability to visibility, to exposure, and sometimes, to violence. Technology has opened doors for connection, learning, and empowerment. But for many women, the same tools that connect us also become tools of […]

Women Leaders Stage Flash Action at ICI HQ to Demand Transparency and Accountability Image Source: World March of Women- Pilipinas TAGUIG CITY, Philippines – On the morning of October 17, International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, grassroots feminist leaders held a surprise flash action outside the Independent Commission on Infrastruct…

FMA Launches Dedicated Helpline Email for Survivors of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) on World Mental Health Day In observance of World Mental Health Day, the Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) proudly launches a new, dedicated helpline email tfgbv.helpline@proton.me offering a safe, confidential, and survivor-centered sp…

19 GOV’T WEBSITES HACKED, NO DATA BREACH – DICT The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Monday said 19 government websites were hacked and defaced, but there was “no evidence of a data breach” amid the protest actions against corruption on Sept. 21. PCO EARMARKS P16-M TO COMBAT […]

In line with the celebration of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Foundation for Media Alternative is launching a four-week social media campaign to raise awareness on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) and strengthen digital safety practices. TFGBV refers to harmful acts carried out through technology, including online …

Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition unequivocally denounce the ongoing nationwide internet blackout in Afghanistan and demand that the Taliban restore internet access immediately.  We, the undersigned organizations and members of the #KeepItOn coalition — a global network of over 345 human rights organizations from 105 countries w…

Beginner’s Guide to Online Security: Learn the Basics and Stay Safe In today’s digital world, our lives are more connected than ever. We shop, bank, study, and socialize online – but this convenience comes with risks. Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to trick people, steal information, or break into […]

One of the sessions held at the DRAPAC 2025 held in Kuala Lumpur in August was on gendered digital surveillance that was organized by Ellen Kusuma from Indonesia. It aimed to discuss and explore how gendered surveillance technologies impact marginalized communities in Southeast Asia, and identify actionable measures that can […]

Last August, I attended my third Digital Rights Asia-Pacific Conference (DRAPAC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Having participated in DRAPAC since 2023, I’ve grown familiar with its format and have come to expect seeing many of the faces I’ve met in previous years. Yet, despite this sense of familiarity, each experience […]

‘KONEKTADONG PINOY’ BILL LAPSES INTO LAW The measure allowing new internet service providers to operate in the country without a legislative franchise or Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) lapsed into law on Sunday. SAFEGUARDS SOUGHT TO ACHIEVE PROMISE OF ‘KONEKTADONG PINOY’ While the “Konektadong Pinoy” law could open [……

Demonstrating a shared commitment to youth empowerment, the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa (PLMun), the DivinaLaw Foundation, and the Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) joined forces to host a legal education seminar titled “Safe Spaces Online: Legal Rights, Mental Health, and Responsible Social Media Use for the Filipino Youth” last [&he…

MARCOS YEAR 3: PROMISES, PROGRESS, BACKLOGS Rappler’s community partners from the #FactsFirstPH, #AtinAngPilipinas, and #CourageON: No Lockdown on Rights coalitions identified updates on key promises made by Marcos and his administration during his third year in power.  NO MENTION OF KONEKTADONG PINOY BILL, AI IN SONA 2025 The Konektadong Pino…

MARCOS TOLD TO VETO ‘KONEKTADONG PINOY’ BILL DUE TO SECURITY RISKS A consumer group on Wednesday appealed to President Marcos to veto the “Konektadong Pinoy bill,” a measure that the Congress has already ratified and is now up for his signature. 35 GROUPS CALL FOR SIGNING OF KONEKTADONG PINOY BILL […]

For years, the Philippines has lagged in terms of global development in internet access and connectivity. According to the data from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the country has one of the highest costs for fixed broadband among ASEAN nations, with only 54.5% of barangays and a third of households […]

Christina Lopez, FMA’s gender program officer, recently completed a two-day training on Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), a growing threat that undermines democratic institutions, civic discourse, and public trust through coordinated, deceptive influence operations, on June 5-6, 2025. The discussions delved into how foreign …

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…

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

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…

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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…

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…

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 […]

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…

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 […]

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…

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 […]

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…

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 […]

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…

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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…

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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…

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 [&…

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…

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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. […]

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…

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 …

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 […]