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 26–28, 2025 in Silang, Cavite. The three-day bootcamp convened community network builders, social enterprise leaders, and digital rights advocates to strengthen inclusive and community-driven approaches to connectivity.

During its session, FMA presented a focused discussion on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV), highlighting how online spaces mirror and often amplify existing gender inequalities. The organization emphasized that as connectivity expands in rural and underserved areas, the risks of online abuse, harassment, and exploitation also increase.

“Connectivity should empower communities, not expose them to new forms of harm,” FMA noted during the presentation. TFGBV encompasses various digital forms of abuse, including cyberstalking, online harassment, doxxing, sextortion, impersonation, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. With emerging threats such as deepfakes and AI-generated sexualized content, the landscape of online violence continues to evolve rapidly.

FMA also explained the continuum of violence, where abuse can begin offline and move to digital platforms or vice versa, underscoring the need for strong community-level interventions. Participants were briefed on the emotional, financial, and social impacts of TFGBV, especially on women, girls, and LGBTQ+ individuals who often face disproportionate online risks.

Relevance to Community Connectivity and Social Enterprise

One key message from the session was that “digital inclusion is incomplete without digital safety”. As communities and social enterprises develop local networks, Wi-Fi hubs, and digital services, they play a critical role in shaping safe online environments.

FMA emphasized several important points:

• Community connectivity initiatives broaden access but must include digital safety education and safeguards.
• Increased internet use can heighten exposure to online abuse if not paired with awareness and protection measures.
• Community networks have the capacity to build localized systems for responsible, secure digital practices.
• Social enterprises can design services and technologies that prioritize user safety and gender-inclusivity.

These insights align with the PH CCCI’s broader objective of strengthening community-led digital ecosystems, ensuring that technological access does not compromise community well-being.

Legal Protections and Reporting Mechanisms

FMA also outlined available reporting channels such as the Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Center, NBI Cybercrime Division, and barangay VAW Desks along with platform-based complaint systems. Key laws addressing TFGBV, including the Cybercrime Prevention Act, Safe Spaces Act, and Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act, were discussed to guide communities in supporting survivors.

Building Safer Digital Spaces

As the bootcamp concluded, organizers and participants echoed the call to embed safety, gender sensitivity, and user protection in all technology-related initiatives. FMA’s contribution highlighted the need for responsible digital infrastructure, especially for marginalized groups who rely on community networks for access and empowerment.

The PH CCCI Bootcamp 2025 continues to serve as a platform for collective learning as communities work toward building equitable, secure, and resilient connectivity systems across the Philippines.