The encrypted messaging application is being reviewed by authorities.
According to Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Council (CICC), they are now closely monitoring the operation of Telegram in the Philippines amid increasing reports of illegal activities within the said platform.
Secretary Henry Aguda said the app is placed under scrutiny over its reported use in online gambling, scams, piracy, illegal drug sales, and even the sensitive issue of Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSAEC).
He said, “Ang usapin ng online sexual exploitation and abuse of children (OSAEC) ay non-negotiable. Kapag nagpatuloy ang ganitong uri ng mga aktibidad at walang pakikipagtulungan mula sa mga platform, hindi kami mag-aatubiling irekomenda ang pag-block sa kanila.”
However, the government admitted that they are facing challenges as the app currently has no physical office in the Philippines, which makes coordination and tracking of those involved in these activities difficult.
CICC Executive Director Undersecretary Renato Paraiso explained that the government needs a way to obtain the credentials of suspects who use Telegram for prostitution, scamming, and other modus operandi.
“Kapag nagamit ang plataporma nila for exploitation, kailangan malaman namin kung sino ang gumagawa nito. Upang magawa iyon, kailangan mayroon silang opisina rito o may direktang nakakausap kami. Hindi pwedeng maging kanlungan ng mga kriminal ang isang app dahil lamang sa kawalan ng koordinasyon,” said Paraiso.
Despite these reports, the agencies said that the complete blocking of the application is their “last resort,” with the government looking to have stricter cooperation and accountability from tech companies and urged the public to remain vigilant.
