“Philippine government agency considers strong action against messaging platforms over cybercrime and content moderation issues.”
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is looking closely at the popular messaging app Telegram. This comes after concerns that Telegram might be used for illegal activities like online gambling and spreading inappropriate content in the Philippines.
In DZRH News Television DOS POR DOS with ANTHONY TABERNA & GERRY BAJA (02/24/2026), DICT Secretary Henry Aguda shared that many illegal gambling operations seem to have moved to Telegram. He also pointed out that the platform is being used to share links with sensitive photos and videos. A big challenge for DICT is that it’s tough to get in touch with Telegram’s management, making it hard to make sure local rules are followed.
Secretary Aguda emphasized that some issues are extremely serious and cannot be ignored, especially online child exploitation. He warned that if platforms don’t act against such content, the government might have to block them. This shows how serious the DICT is about protecting users, especially the most vulnerable.
Beyond content issues, the DICT is also tackling financial scams. While there’s been some progress, cases still pop up, often targeting older individuals with questionable products. Another growing concern is deepfake content, where images and videos are manipulated using advanced technology, sometimes making politicians look unrecognizable.
The DICT is not working alone. They are teaming up with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to fight against illegal online gambling and other cybercrimes. This multi-agency effort aims to make the internet a safer place for everyone in the Philippines.
