Digital Pinoys

Digital Pinoys national campaigner Ronald Gustilo said that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and law enforcement agencies should swiftly implement the order to prevent the remaining POGOs from going underground. The government should also ensure that Filipino workers affected by the ban will be ensured.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/POGOBanWelcome

Ronald B. Gustilo, national campaigner at Digital Pinoys, said not all AI-generated materials are bad.

“The Comelec should let candidates and supporters use AI-generated materials, as long as these are law-abiding and comply with existing rules and regulations,” he said in a Viber message. He agreed that deepfake videos meant to malign candidates should be banned.

Put AI to good use in midterm polls, data experts tell Comelec - BusinessWorld Online THE COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) should use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the integrity of the midterm elections next year amid worries about potential disruptions, analysts said.

The government needs to urgently address the cybersecurity crisis that the Philippines has been experiencing. We urge the government to institutionalize digital literacy to help equip the public against existing and emerging threats in cyberspace.

PH is 29th out of 250 countries with most data breaches in Q2 of 2024 MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is 29th out of 250 countries and territories ranked by a Norway-based virtual private network provider with the most data breaches in the second quarter of

“My point is, is Grab always on surge all day? Which is the same question asked by many passengers. Kasi nga, sobrang mahal na mag-Grab ngayon e (Taking a Grab now is so expensive.) Grab’s justification with surge pricing is demand. But drivers tell me, ‘Matumal ‘yung biyahe.’ So how do you reconcile that?”

Across all the rides PCIJ tried to book that week in February, data showed that surge charges were always included in the fares. Following Grab’s explanation, this suggested that booking requests always exceeded available cars nearly throughout the entire day – even early in the morning and late in the evening, even on weekdays and weekends. But it’s difficult to find out if demand did outpace supply because only Grab has access to this data.

Grab fares surge under opaque algorithm - PCIJ.org This Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism report was produced in partnership with the Pulitzer Center’s AI Accountability Network. KEY FINDINGS: Transportation giant Grab offers a convenient alternative to navigating the country’s busy cities – but at a premium. Data collected by P....

What to do when your phone is lost / stolen

What we have in the Philippines is a cybersecurity crisis

Group claims data breach happened at DFA MANILA, Philippines — Cybersecurity group Deep Web Konek claimed a data breach that involved the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) occurred on Wednesday.

In a tweet, Deep Web Konek said,

We welcome the resolution filed by Representative Arlene Brosas of Gabriela Women's Party seeking for the investigation of the numerous accidents involving motorcycle taxi riders.

In a previous hearing of the House Committee on Metro Manila Development and Committee on Transportation, we have raised the issue of accidents involving riders from Grab-owned MC taxi firm Move It, some of which were fatal. The motorcycle taxi pilot program technical working group (MC taxi - TWG) is also set to hear the complain filed by Digital Pinoys against Move It.

We are hoping that the House of Representatives proceed with the investigation and to make the necessary actions, in aid of legislation, to protect the commuting public patronizing motorcycle taxis. We reiterate that mc taxi operators involved in numerous accidents does not deserve to be part of this industry.

Pero bakit gumawa ng system na hindi secured? anong klaseng palusot yan???

DICT Asec. Aboy Paraiso confirms breach on the DICT emergency disaster response division, says it is not connected to the central office of DICT.

No sensitive data was reportedly included in the system, which was designed to be not so secured to begin with, he said. | via Jekki Pascual, ABS-CBN News

More details in the comment section.

Good job!👏👏👏

LOOK: Senior high school students from Vinzons Pilot High School in Camarines Norte created a device that translates sign language.

See link to story in the comments.

| via GMA Regional TV Balitang Bicolandia

Digital Pinoys urged the government to intensify its push against text scams, as they could be used in the 2025 midterm elections.

Text scams persist despite SIM Registration Law, says digital group By Rodolfo Dacleson II (June 2, 2024) – A digital advocacy group on Sunday warned the public about

Digital Pinoys National Campaigner Ronald B. Gustilo said increased spending for cybersecurity by banking institutions gives customers the assurance that their transactions are safe.

www.bworldonline.com

SCAM ALERT ❗️ Mag-ingat sa kumakalat na mga scammer na gumagamit ng fake na email para magpanggap na taga Meralco. ‘Wag magreply o mag-engage dito. 🙅

Laging tandaan na ang bills payment ay dapat ginagawa sa mga official payment channels ng Meralco.

For legitimate information about Meralco, follow only our official social media accounts, website and the Meralco Mobile App.

Keep safe online! 👍

Tech companies like Microsoft would rather prioritize countries that already have a policy on the emerging AI technology. But despite the challenges, the Philippines can still be considered for future investments because of the number of tech consumers in the country. However, the government needs to implement a strong work plan to educate the public on the dangers, risks, and opportunities presented by technology.

The government also needs to create an environment more conducive for businesses, such as safe locations, cheaper utility rates, and a stable market. It also needs to resolve or at least implement a clear plan to eradicate or reduce the use of pirated products of tech companies so that the Philippines will become an enticing market for them

AI, data center investors will evaluate PHL by strength of talent, cyber-security - BusinessWorld Online THE Philippines’ plan to attract investment from artificial intelligence (AI), data center, and cloud companies will have to contend with the fact that such investors will thoroughly evaluate the country’s talent base and cyber-security infrastructure, analysts said. Dominic Vincent D. Ligot, fo...

During the hearing of the House Committee on Metro Manila Development, Gustilo presented a compilation of accidents and violations committed by Move It, including the infamous EDSA busway incident where a Move It rider illegally traversed the EDSA busway and tried to evade apprehension. Traffic enforcers from the Metro Manila Development Authority were almost run over by the rider, endangering the passenger and other road users at that time. Also included in the compilation is the road rage incident in Bonifacio Global City where a Move It rider stabbed a cyclist and the fatal accident in Cebu City where both the rider and his passenger passed away after they were involved in an accident.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/HouseProbeOnMoveItAccidentsUrged

BABALA: SCAM TEXT MESSAGE AT LINK

Peke at hindi nanggaling sa MMDA ang text message at link na kumakalat ukol sa No Contact Apprehension Policy at instruksiyon hinggil sa pagbabayad ng multa.

Ang mensahe at link ay naglalaman ng mga peke at malisyosong instruksiyon hinggil sa nakuhanan ng NCAP na paglabag at kung paano babayaran ang multa.

Nananatiling suspendido ang operasyon ng NCAP mula pa noong 2022 bunsod na rin ng pagpapalabas ng temporary restraining order ng Korte Suprema. Dahil dito, walang tinatanggap na bayad o multa mula sa nakukunan sa paglabag sa batas trapiko.

Huwag basta maniwala sa mga natatanggap na mensahe o post sa social media. Mabuting alamin muna ang pinanggalingan ng impormasyon o iberipika mula sa mga lehitimong sources.

Manatiling updated sa ating official social media platforms: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, at Tiktok.

Kung may natatanggap na kahina-hinalang mensahe o post sa social media, maaaring tumawag sa MMDA Hotline 136 o magpadala ng mensahe sa MMDA official accounts.

Labor Day is a time to celebrate and recognize the invaluable contributions of workers to society. Today is an important day to emphasize our support for a legislated wage increase. Many workers struggle to make ends meet due to insufficient wages, coupled with the rising cost of oil, food and other basic commodities. The cost of living is constantly rising while wage has failed to keep up with the rising cost of living. There is a need to ensure that workers are adequately compensated for their labor, empowering them to lead fulfilling lives and contribute more effectively to the economy.

We also emphasize the importance of improving working conditions. Workers should have an environment that prioritizes their health, safety, and overall well-being, which includes measures to prevent workplace accidents, provide access to healthcare and other benefits, and promote a healthy work-life balance. The government should protect the dignity and rights of workers but also foster a more productive and sustainable economy. The recent incidents involving platform workers such as ride-hailing service riders and food and parcel delivery riders highlights the need for the passage of the Magna Carta for platform workers. The current working conditions, including low fare, high commission rates that is being deducted by transport network companies such as Grab Philippines, and the dangling of "high incentive rates" like in Move It, force platform workers to working extended hours which causes them to be involved in accidents.

Lastly, Labor Day is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the security of tenure for workers. Many workers, including those in the Information and Communication technology, platform workers and other industries using technology have experienced layoffs or illegal termination. Workers in industry where artificial intelligence can be utilized extensively are under threat of retrenchment and layoffs. We reiterate our call that A.I. technology should complement manual labor, and not replace workers and should be used to make work easier. By advocating for policies that protect workers from arbitrary dismissal and provide pathways to secure employment, we can create a more just and equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

This Labor Day, let us stand in solidarity with workers and continue to fight for their rights, dignity, and well-being.

Digital Pinoys DIGITAL PINOYS is a network of Filipino digital advocates

"Ayala corporation, being one of the principal shareholders of Globe Telecom, should lead the way in lifting lease fees for telco and broadband providers so that the clients of the real estate arm would be among the first to sow the fruits of Globe's eager campaign of lifting lease fees."

Read more here: https://digitalpinoys.org/globe-ayala-land-urged-to-lift-lease-fees-for-telco-broadband-providers/

beware of profile hijack

Have you ever worried about someone taking over your social media account? It's a scary thought, but it happens! A hijack profile scam, also called social media account takeover. Let's learn how to spot these scams and keep your social media safe.

Group calls out LTFRB inaction on complaints against Move It

A network of digital advocates lambasted the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board for their inaction on the complaints filed against Grab-owned motorcycle taxi firm Move It.

Digital Pinoys national campaigner Ronald Gustilo said that the LTFRB has virtually tolerated the infractions committed by Move It by ignoring complaints lodged against the it.

"LTFRB is putting the public's safety in jeopardy by tolerating Move It's accidents. Our complaint, which was sent last April 1, 2024, contained photos and videos of accidents involving Move It riders. Up to now, not even an acknowledgement of the complaint was made by the LTFRB."

Gustilo noted that the incidents involved riders and passengers getting injured, some of which were featured in news reports. One incident reported in Cebu City even led to the death of both the rider and the passenger. Recently, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority posted a video of a Move It rider who attempted to evade MMDA personnel after it encroached the EDSA busway, jeopardizing the safety of the passenger, the enforcers and the others using EDSA that time.

"Is the LTFRB waiting for more passengers to be injured or killed before they act on it? Or are they simply giving favor to Move It? Because delaying the investigation on these accidents does not serve the interest of commuters. It seems that the LTFRB is inclined to ignore the safety of the passengers rather than to act against this Singaporean-owned firm. This is unacceptable."

In a hearing of the House Committee on Transportation, Gustilo raised the concern that the LTFRB is ignoring communications sent to Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III, which led to Committee on Transportation Chairperson Rep. Romeo Acop to remind transportation officials to respond to communications sent to their offices as it is mandated in the Anti Red Tape Act, and if they fail to do so, they may be held liable.

Previously, Digital Pinoys also called the attention of the technical working group of the motorcycle taxi pilot study, which is headed by the LTFRB, to investigate the lax training procedure of Move It after being reported that the Grab-owned firm allowed riders from rival firms to skip the mandatory skills assessment and training. The LTFRB did not act on the complaint. #

Digital Pinoys DIGITAL PINOYS is a network of Filipino digital advocates

Ronald Gustilo, national campaigner of Digital Pinoys, said that the DoST officials should also be held liable and charged for the data breach.

“It’s unacceptable that in just a span of a few months, they were involved in two data breaches. When they should have learned and adjusted from the first time that it happened last December 2023,” Mr. Gustilo said in a Viber message.

Read more here:

DoST employees’ data compromised - BusinessWorld Online THE NATIONAL Privacy Commission (NPC) said that its initial investigation into the data breach concerning the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) included the personal data of 597 employees. “Preliminary assessments reveal that the breach potentially exposed personal information and sensit...

With the recent hacking incident, the government is urged to prepare for similar attacks in the future, Ronald B. Gustilo, national campaigner for Digital Pinoys, said.

“The government should prepare for more of these attacks. Their contingency measures should be in place and the quick response teams always ready,” Mr. Gustilo said in a Viber message.

He said the government should allocate a higher budget to be able to update its technology realtime and hire more experts to monitor its systems.

“More than being either quick or slow with regard to their response, we find it appealing that in a span of a few months, DoST was attacked twice. This should not have happened in the first place,” Mr. Gustilo said.

DICT suspects domestic hackers, blames ‘outdated’ systems for DoST data breach - BusinessWorld Online STATE officials suspect domestic hackers behind the recent breaching of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DoST) network systems, compromising about two terabytes of data.

Wag nyo na gamitin, okay?

A NordPass analysis showed that “admin” topped the list of 20 most commonly used passwords in the Philippines last year. | 📷: Ed Lustan, INQUIRER.net

Read more: https://inqnews.net/adminPH

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