DICT on Telegram probe: Lack of local office a ‘major challenge’

Amid the investigation of Telegram, an online communication application, for being a site for alleged illegal activities, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) cited sees the platform’s lack of a physical office in the Philippines as a “major challenge” in capturing cybercriminals.

DICT-Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Council (CICC) Executive Director and Undersecretary Renato Paraiso stressed, Feb. 26, the importance of having direct coordination with platform representatives on identifying the suspects involved in illegal activities.

“Kapag nagamit ang plataporma nila for exploitation, kailangan malaman namin kung sino ang gumagawa nito. Upang magawa iyon, kailangan mayroon silang opisina rito o may direktang nakakausap kami. Hindi pwedeng maging kanlungan ng mga kriminal ang isang app dahil lamang sa kawalan ng koordinasyon,” Paraiso said.

In a statement released on Feb. 26, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda confirmed that Telegram is currently “under observation” after alleged illegal activities, such as online gambling, scams, piracy, illegal drug trade, and online sexual exploitation and abuse of children were reported within the application.

“Kapag nagpatuloy ang ganitong uri ng mga aktibidad at walang pakikipagtulungan mula sa mga platform, hindi kami mag-aatubiling irekomenda ang pag-block sa kanila,” Aguda emphasized.

In the reports of the potential total shutdown of the application in the country, DICT clarified that the potential ban is just the “last resort”, as the agency still prioritizes cooperation with technology companies in addressing virtual illegal activities.

Both agencies urged the public to report any suspicious activities online and to remain vigilant when using social media.

To further strengthen the investigation, DICT will be meeting with the National Privacy Commission and telecommunication service providers to discuss the proposed implementation of user account verification, a system that will make cybercrime tracing easier.