The surge in online activities has led to a concerning rise in scams, presenting users with various challenges and scammers with opportunities to employ deceptive tactics. As the line between genuine transactions and deceitful schemes becomes increasingly blurred, it becomes crucial for users to comprehend the risks and embrace vigilant practices when navigating the digital landscape. This ensures a secure and responsible online experience.
In a significant move to combat the rising menace of online scams and fake accounts, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) in the Philippines is set to penalize social media and e-commerce platforms for their inaction. The newly enacted Republic Act No. 11967, also known as the Internet Transactions Act of 2023, provides the CICC and other government agencies with the authority to hold these platforms accountable for promoting fake products and victimizing unsuspecting users.
In a recent televised interview on ANC, CICC Executive Director Undersecretary Alexander Ramos emphasized that the law empowers authorities to take legal action against platforms that fail to establish necessary safety nets for local consumers. Under the new legislation, social media and e-commerce platforms can face penalties if they continue to harbor accounts that promote fraudulent activities.
Ramos highlighted the need for these platforms to implement robust technologies capable of automatically detecting and eliminating fake accounts. He stressed that as promoters of e-commerce, these platforms have a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of their users.
In the last ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) security summit based in Singapore, there was a collective action towards this goal to really increase the enforcement on social media platforms. Now that we have [this law], we can demand immediate action,” Ramos said.
Contrary to concerns, Ramos clarified that the intention behind the legislation is not to shut down social media or e-commerce platforms. Instead, the government aims to boost consumer confidence through increased regulation. Ramos emphasized the administration’s support for e-commerce and the importance of protecting consumers in the rapidly growing online marketplace.
Given the Philippines’ reputation as the “social media capital of the world,” Ramos underscored the necessity of enhancing online security for Filipino users. While the government refrains from taxing these platforms, Ramos stated that ensuring the protection of clients is paramount.
Ramos identified fake online sellers as the country’s primary concern in the online space. With numerous victims falling prey to fraudulent activities, penalizing platforms is just one aspect of the government’s multifaceted approach. Ramos revealed that the government is actively engaged in information campaigns to educate Filipinos on avoiding and combating online scams.
With the Internet Transactions Act of 2023 in force, the CICC is poised to strengthen its crackdown on online scams. The Philippines’ commitment to promoting e-commerce is coupled with a determination to protect consumers from the pitfalls of the digital landscape. As the government adopts a comprehensive strategy, including penalizing platforms and conducting awareness campaigns, it strives to create a safer and more secure online environment for its citizens.