By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
In cognition of rapid advancements in digital technology, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) to work together and put up safeguards against misinformation and disinformation.
This call for reinforced regulations against fake news was declared by President Marcos at a sectoral meeting discussing DICT’s programs and projects in Malacañang on Monday, April 21.
The Chief Executive, however, acknowledged the significant hurdles associated with regulating online platforms and the balancing act between retaining users’ rights and protecting them from vile influences in cyberspace.
DICT Secretary Henry Aguda echoed the President’s concerns, stressing the importance of a firm national position to counter online falsehoods.
He also highlighted that the right to free expression carries with it special duties and responsibilities and may be subject to certain restrictions under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Aguda was optimistic the local media industry will back the administration’s initiative, as journalists play a vital role in promoting truth in the digital landscape.
On the other hand, PCO Secretary Jay Ruiz provided reassurance that the agency has developed an operational framework to identify websites and online content that disseminate false information.
He also cited PCO’s close coordination with the Cybercrime Intelligence and Coordinating Center as it works on stifling unverified and maligned media on the web.
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