In relation with the 2025 National and Local Elections scheduled for May 12, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) recently launched a campaign versus troll armies and fake news online with protecting election integrity in mind, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has started a crackdown against fake news and organized ‘troll armies’ on social media to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
In a news release on Wednesday, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda announced the agency’s collaboration with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on several key initiatives to enhance the technological infrastructure of the elections.
“These initiatives include the establishment of Configuration Hubs, where DICT personnel will assist in managing the hubs during the election process, as well as the development of online services such as the Precinct Results Finder, Registration Status Verifier, and Election Results Website, all aimed at ensuring transparency and providing real-time access to election data,” Aguda said.
The DICT’s Cybersecurity Bureau is also rolling out critical initiatives such as vulnerability assessment and penetration testing (VAPT) to identify and mitigate security risks, and ensure the security for digital infrastructures throughout the election process.
“A key technological advancement in securing the election is the deployment of (Philippine National) Public Key Infrastructure (PNPKI) digital certificates, which will be used by teachers serving as electoral board members. These certificates will ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and authentication of election data,” he said.
Aguda also recognized the growing the influence of social media platforms in the elections and welcomed the stance of technology giants — Tiktok, Google, and Meta — who pledged to ban paid political ads on their platforms.
“We must be proactive, not reactive. The threats are evolving. From fake news to deepfakes and organized troll armies –our election system must be ready to face them head-on,” he said.
Google, in particular, has implemented the ban on election advertisements since the start of the official campaign period.
“[It is] a move that supports the shared goal of a clean, fair, and credible election,” he said.
On Tuesday, Aguda convened the Comelec Advisory Council (CAC) in Taguig City as part of its mission to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process ahead of the 2025 polls.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the DICT will succeed in its campaign versus fake news and online trolls?
You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.
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