The groups Agham and Computer Professionals’ Union condemned the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) proposal on February 10 to ban the internet app Signal in the country, supposedly in response to the problem of “spoofing.” Spoofing is a form of deception where a cybercriminal impersonates a government agency or official to spread false information or steal sensitive data.
The proposal violates digital rights, they said. They believec the proposal is a reckless response to the spoofing problem. Any internet-based messaging platform can be used for spoofing.
The ban on Signal can only be a temporary fix, as criminals can still use Virtual Private Networks and other alternative platforms. Criminals will continue to adapt to new regulations but ordinary Signal users—such as journalists, activists, professionals, and private individuals—will lose access to a secure platform, the groups said.
“They now want to ban Signal because of public reports saying Marcos Jr and a ‘bagman’ used it to discuss the exchange of billions in stolen funds,” the two groups’ joint statement said. “If the government truly cares about what’s happening on Signal, the public should ask: is this [proposal] really about protecting people against spoofing, or about covering up evidence of corruption involving the president?”
They said the proposal is no different from the SIM registration law, which forces citizens to surrender their right to privacy in exchange for promises of safety and “security.” The proposal’s passage would be an outright violation of the people’s rights to free expression and privacy under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center is a government agency under the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). It was established under Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 to serve as the lead agency overseeing and coordinating cybercrime investigation and prevention in the country.
