The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has scratched the idea of banning Telegram in the Philippines after forging an agreement with the platform and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC). This is a result of a key meeting with Telegram representatives Ronak Singh and Abhimanyu Yadav and resolves earlier threats stemming from the app’s reputation as a venue for illicit activities.
Telegram’s Rise and Concerns
Telegram has surged in popularity as a secure alternative to other platforms such as Viber, Messenger, and WhatsApp, offering phone number hiding via usernames and multiple profiles per device.
However, its anonymity drew government scrutiny. In a recent radio interview, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda announced studies for a potential ban, citing Telegram as preferred venue for online pornography, financial scams, deepfakes, and online sexual abuse of children.
He highlighted non-negotiable action against child exploitation, even amid backlash, while collaborating with Meta platforms, the Philippine National Police, and National Bureau of Investigation to combat social engineering scams.
Resolution Accord
The new pact enforces 24/7 helpdesk responses to illegal content reports, monthly takedown metrics to DICT and CICC, and zero tolerance for child abuse, gambling, and fraud.
Tech voices like Eli Rabadon of DVCode caution that bans merely shift bad actors, valuing encryption for protecting journalists and citizens from identity theft.
Well, at least for now, this is good news for those who actually use the platform for legit activities, like, you know, work or business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why was Telegram facing a potential ban?
A: Due to its role in illicit activities like online pornography, financial scams, deepfakes, and child sexual abuse, exploiting anonymity features.
Q: Who voiced the ban consideration?
A: DICT Secretary Henry Aguda in a radio interview, stressing firm action against child exploitation.
Q: What does the safety agreement require?
A: 24/7 helpdesk, monthly reports on takedowns, and zero tolerance for abuse, gambling, and fraud.
Q: What are Telegram’s key privacy features?
A: Users can hide phone numbers with usernames and run multiple profiles on one device.
Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.
