Encrypted messaging app Telegram, which boasts “a focus on security and speed”, is not secure enough for Philippines government agencies.
Last week, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) put the cloud-based app on notice following reports that it is being used for online scams, illegal gambling and sexual exploitation of children. “If we continue to find violations, we might ban them as a consequence,” said DICT Secretary Henry R Aguda on 25 February.
But two days later, after talks with Telegram representatives Ronak Singh and Abhimanyu Yadav, the heat was off.
In a Facebook post, the DICT announced that the Russia-based company has agreed to:
● Establish a 24/7 helpdesk and act immediately in response to reports of illegal content
● Submit monthly reports to the DICT and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Council (CICC) “regarding takedowns and other metrics”
● Practise zero tolerance in cases of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC), illegal gambling and other fraudulent or abusive activities
Aguda: Bans still an option
According to the Manila Bulletin, CICC Executive Director and Undersecretary Renato Paraiso says law enforcement must deal directly with platform representatives to curb cybercrimes. He recommends that companies like Russia-based Telegram open satellite offices in the Philippines.
“When their platform is used for exploitation, we need to know who is behind it,” Paraiso said. “To make that possible, they must have an office here or someone we can directly talk to. An app cannot be a refuge for criminals simply because of a lack of coordination.”
Both the DICT and CICC warn that a ban, while a “last resort”, remains a possibility for platforms that don’t comply. “If these kinds of activities continue and platforms fail to cooperate, we will not hesitate to recommend blocking them,” said Aguda.
Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr supports the fight against social harms caused by the misuse of technology. “In this digital age, we must become more vigilant against the risks that come with it,” he said at last year’s Manila Tech Summit.
“Fraudulent schemes and scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated every day with the aid of artificial intelligence, digital currencies and syndicates that know no frontiers.” Marcos also noted the rise of online gambling, “which preys on people’s vulnerabilities”.
Similarly, in 2025 the DICT and CICC coordinated with Facebook parent Meta to combat the growing threat of artificial intelligence-generated scams, online disinformation and malicious content.
Marjorie Preston
Marjorie began her gaming career in 2007 and has focused on Asian gaming markets since 2020. Outside of work, she writes about travel and film and plays the drums.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/legal-compliance/regulation/telegram-avoids-philippines-ban-agrees-to-crack-down-on-criminal-content/
