The latest available data from the Foundation for Media Alternatives show women are disproportionately targeted in online gender-based violence in the Philippines, with 22.2% of reported cases in 2023 involving threats, blackmail, and abuse. During a Women’s Month event, DICT, Google, BSP, PNP, and NPC outlined their efforts to combat this. Here are the four major efforts shared at the event:
- Promoting digital literacy, especially against cyber fraud
With the unfortunate prevalence of online fraud and scams, the Bangko Sentral continues to educate Filipinos, especially women who may be vulnerable due to economic factors. In 2023, phishing accounted for nearly 59% of social engineering scams.
“The BSP Cyber Surveillance Report reveals that social engineering schemes remain among the top 10 methods of fraud in the Philippines. We have heard these terms continually in the past years, but our awareness campaigns and online literacy are still not enough for everyone to really know if they’re already being victimized,” said Atty. Antoni Pauline Pascual of the BSP.
- Raising awareness for safe spaces online
The National Privacy Commission is committed to fostering safe spaces for women everywhere by empowering them to report gender-based harassment – which may be hard for people to do due to various psychological factors. Through the Safe Spaces Act, online spaces are now protected, and harassment and violations against women in these areas can be penalized.
“If your safety or sexuality was violated, sometimes you’re scared to report it. We want, through this campaign, for people to be more empowered, for them to be able to have a safe place to report it,” said Atty. Izelle Deloso of the NPC.
- Protecting women against violence, trafficking, and harassment
With over 8,000 cases of violence against women and children reported in 2024 and hundreds of cases of trafficking, the Philippine National Police works tirelessly to protect women and go after perpetrators of these heinous crimes. The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group handles internet-based VAWC cases through the Women and Children Cybercrime Protection Unit.
“You can approach us, send us a message through social media, and we assure you that anything you confide with us will be treated with confidentiality. We foster cooperation and close coordination with various law enforcement agencies both local and international to apprehend offenders,” said Lt. Col. Herlyn P. Lazaro of the PNP-ACG.
- Using AI to combat harmful content and connect women to emergency hotlines
Google is using the power of its products like Google Search to connect women to vital resources online including emergency hotlines. With a simple search, women can instantly access the NCMH Crisis Hotline, providing immediate support without the need to navigate multiple websites or links.
Google is leveraging AI to analyze content on YouTube, Google Workspace, ads, Play Store, and any of their products with social interaction features, recognizing patterns and indicators present in harmful language and repeat offenders. From there, AI can provide real-time warnings on potentially abusive writing, quickly and automatically remove such content on these platforms, and streamline the reporting process for those affected.
“Google is actively protecting women online through AI and security technologies. We employ a holistic safety strategy, combining platform tools, digital literacy programs, and partnerships to combat harassment and misinformation,” said Audrey Turay-Magdato, Google Cloud Security Country Lead for Google Philippines.
In addition to AI-powered moderation tools and enhanced privacy controls, Google also upskills and prepares women for careers in cybersecurity through initiatives such as the Google Cybersecurity Career Certificate.
With all these efforts and initiatives to protect women, especially on the internet, Google and these organizations hope to curb the incidents of violence and harassment and to promote a safer, more welcoming digital environment for all.
“The safety and security of women online is so important. The government remains steadfast in its commitment to robust cybersecurity measures, and we deeply appreciate Google’s partnership in this vital endeavor. We look forward to strengthening our collaboration and expanding our reach to ensure a safer digital future for more Filipinos,” said Undersecretary for Cybersecurity Jeffrey Ian Dy, Department of Information and Communications Technology.
To learn more about how Google keeps you safer online, visit Safer with Google.
