By Jian Zharese Joeis F. Sanz
MANILA— Advocates of Science and Technology for the People (AGHAM) and Computer Professionals’ Union (CPU) are calling the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center’s February 10 call to block the messaging application Signal due to alleged “spoofing” cases“ another digital rights violation disguised as a quick fix” in a joint statement.
The groups also criticized the move, saying “the government is once again defaulting to restriction and control” instead of improving its capability to investigate alleged violations.
They further highlighted that banning the app only serves as a band-aid solution, as VPNs and alternative platforms exist.
As criminals continue to adapt to new regulations, ordinary users will lose a secure platform.
Spoofing not unique to Signal
CICC pointed out the rise in “spoofing” as the reason behind the call to block the Signal app—but progressive technologists think otherwise, emphasizing that spoofing is not unique to Signal, as any messaging platform can be misused.
Spoofing is described as a deceptive tactic where cybercriminals impersonate government agencies and public officials to propagate false information and harvest sensitive data.
The groups also questioned the timing of this move from CICC.
“Why block Signal now, amid publicly reported allegations that President Marcos and a ‘bagman’ used it to discuss the exchange of billions of corrupted funds?” they said.
The groups called on the public to remain critical of the proposal as this can be a move to cover up the trail of corruption allegedly involving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Pattern of Digital Rights violations
The CICC proposal is part of a pattern of the state overusing its power to access citizens’ data, according to AGHAM.
“We’ve seen this pattern before with SIM Registration and other policies that expand state access to personal data in the name of ‘security’. Each time, the public is asked to surrender a little more privacy for the promise of safety,” they stressed.
It can be recalled that since 2022, the Philippines government has required the registration of SIM cards in the Philippines.
The state has even passed the SIM Card Registration Law, strengthening this requirement as a way to ‘curb scams’.
During this time, many critics have raised concerns about its dangers to people’s data security and the tedious and unreliable process of the registration. In previous years, reports also showed that registered SIM cards have been more prone to scams, worsening the public’s mistrust.
Just this January, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said it is eyeing a requirement for social media users to register or verify their accounts. A plan that once again raised concerns from the public.
“Security should not come at the cost of fundamental digital rights. Real solutions to spoofing must be targeted and privacy-oriented, not measures that normalize censorship and surveillance,” the groups said.
They warned that the plan to block the Signal app, if implemented, would be a blatant violation of people’s freedom of speech and rights to privacy under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. (JDS)
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