Over the course of the pandemic, there has been an accelerated dependence of Filipinos on digital tools and platforms for all aspects of life. Formerly face-to-face activities, including banking, health services, education, and shopping have all undergone a rapid digitization and transitioned to online platforms. In the face of a pandemic that requires social distancing, these services have become vital.

It comes as no surprise then that there are now more cases of phishing attacks, online scams, and other cyber-security threats since the onset of the pandemic. Our personal data, for purposes ranging from banking to health, education, and bills payment is exchanged over our mobile devices and computers. This makes cyber-security the second major issue for our rapidly digitizing community. Viruses and hacking no longer equate to an inconvenience at worst. Given our reliance on digital platforms, hacking and data loss can translate to a loss of funds through online banking scams and cyber heists. There is also the added threat of fake news networks and the proliferation of fake accounts. 

We have also seen the rise of online piracy, one key way that malware spreads that also has a negative impact on creative economy. In addition to its illegal nature and effect on the economy, illegal downloads hog bandwidth and slow down network speeds, adversely affecting those that study and work from home.

Given the rising threats of fake news, misinformation campaigns, and online misrepresentation, securing data is now not only a matter of private safety, but a matter of general public security. If we are to move steadily towards the eventual goal of e-governance post-COVID 19, we must secure all major online vulnerabilities. 

The dangers present in our digital world increase as the scope of digitization widens. We must work together carefully across sectors to make this space safe for all involved if we hope to reap the potential benefits of e-governance, online political engagement, and create platforms for online political discourse.

Program

Introduction
Mr. Francesco “Paco” A. Pangalangan
Executive Director, Stratbase ADR Institute

Welcoming Remarks
Prof. Dindo Manhit
President, Stratbase ADR Institute

Keynote Address
Asec. Emmanuel Caintic
Assistant Secretary for Digital Philippines,
Department of Information and Communications Technology

Presentation of YouGov Report

Mr. Neil Gane
General Manager of Asia Video Industry Association’s
Coalition Against Piracy

Perspectives from the Government

Atty. Teodoro Pascua
Deputy Director-General,
Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines

Perspectives from the Academe and Stakeholders

Dr. Sherwin Ona
Associate Professor, De La Salle University

Mr. Richard Bon Moya
Microsoft Philippines

Mr. Desmond Chan
Deputy General Manager (Legal and International Operations), Television Broadcasts Limited (“TVB”); General Manager, TVB International