Telegram has emerged as a popular multi-platform messaging app in the Philippines, positioning itself as an alternative to services like Viber, Messenger, and WhatsApp. It allows users to hide their phone numbers and use usernames instead, as an additional layer of anonymity. This also lets individuals maintain multiple Telegram profiles on a single device.
Government Scrutiny and Potential Ban
In a recent radio interview, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda revealed that the government is studying a possible ban on Telegram over concerns on the app’s reputation as a preferred venue for illicit activities that take advantage of its secretive nature.
Aguda highlighted that the DICT has also been meeting with major social networking platforms, including those under Meta, to find ways to curb online pornography, financial scams, and deepfake content.
Non-Negotiable Stance on Online Child Abuse
Aguda underscored a firm position against online sexual exploitation and abuse of children. He stated that if authorities continue to detect such content on platforms, he is prepared to pursue blocking them, even if it provokes public backlash. The DICT is working closely with the Philippine National Police (PNP) as well as the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) as the country continues to grapple with financial scams driven largely by social engineering tactics.
Concerns from the Tech Community
Not everyone in the tech community agrees that platform bans are the right first response. Eli Rabadon, co-founder of blockchain development firm DVCode, warned that bad actors do not disappear but migrate to other channels. He argued that encryption itself is not the enemy, as it protects journalists, whistleblowers, and ordinary citizens from identity theft, and cautioned that normalizing platform bans creates uncertainty in the digital ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why is the government considering a Telegram ban?
A: Officials are concerned about Telegram’s association with pornography, scams, and online sexual exploitation, which they say benefit from the app’s anonymity features.
Q: What specific content is a red line for authorities?
A: The DICT considers online sexual exploitation and abuse of children non-negotiable and is willing to block platforms where such content persists.
Q: How is Telegram different from other messaging apps?
A: Telegram lets users hide phone numbers in favor of usernames and supports multiple profiles on one device, creating an extra layer of anonymity.
Q: Are other platforms also under scrutiny?
A: The DICT has been meeting with social networking platforms, including those under Meta, to address pornography, financial scams, and deepfakes.
Q: What do tech experts say about banning platforms?
A: A blockchain industry leader argues that bans only push bad actors elsewhere and stresses that encryption protects journalists, whistleblowers, and regular users.
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.
