Telegram to continue PH operations
Global messaging platform Telegram can carry on with operations in the Philippines, but with conditions.
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, with the Department of Information and Communications Technology, said in a statement released on Friday, Feb. 27, that the continuation of Telegram's local operations hinges on the platform's commitment to boost its regulatory mechanisms against illegal digital activities.
With CICC and DICT, Telegram has put up a 24/7 Helpdesk Response Center, which monitors the digital space, receives reports of illegal content in real time, and neutralizes illicit digital activities.
In addition, Telegram will be providing CICC and DICT with comprehensive monthly metrics regarding the above to demonstrate its commitment to transparency and intellectual accountability.
Included in the reports will be specific data on the content Telegram will take down. Taking it a step further, the messaging platform will also share the identities of confirmed threats to CICC for its criminal investigations.
Demonstrating its sincerity in its efforts, Telegram will have "zero tolerance" for online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, illegal gambling syndicates, and other organized cybercrime activities.
In its statement, the CICC assured the public that its top priority is to protect Filipinos, particularly the youth, from the dark corners of the digital world.
"While we welcome the spirit of cooperation shown by Telegram, our priority remains the safety of our digital borders. The continuation of their service is contingent upon their unwavering adherence to these terms. We will not hesitate to exercise our mandate to suspend operations should the platform fail to uphold its commitment to the Filipino people," the CICC said in a statement.
On Feb. 25, DICT secretary Henry Aguda said in an interview with DZRH that the agency was mulling Telegram's future in the country due to the number of pornographic content and illegal gambling activities reportedly spreading in the messaging app.
"Pinag-aaralan na namin na i-ban siya (Telegram) pagka may nakita pa kami na talagang talamak at walang pagbabago. Kasi 'yung mga illegal gambling, lumipat ng Telegram, eh," Aguda said.
Countries that have gone ahead and banned or restricted Telegram's operations include China, Iran, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Germany, citing national security concerns, among others.
The app's founder, Pavel Durov, is currently being investigated in Russia for his alleged involvement in terrorism.
