A recent report by Washington-based non-profit Freedom House indicates a significant deterioration in internet freedoms within the Philippines over the past year. This decline is attributed to increased restrictions imposed on online spaces by both the Duterte and Marcos administrations.
The Philippines’ score on the Freedom of the Net index fell from 65 out of 100 last year to 61, categorizing it as “partly free.” The report highlighted actions such as blocking 27 websites, including online news platforms, by the Duterte administration just before leaving office. Additionally, a new SIM card registration law signed by President Marcos Jr. raised concerns about privacy risks.
The Philippines experienced the second-largest decline in its Freedom of the Net score among countries included in the report, with a four-point drop. This decline was surpassed only by Iran, which saw a five-point decrease.
The report categorizes countries based on their scores:
The Philippines fell into the “partly free” category alongside 32 other countries, while 21 countries were deemed “not free.”
The report also shed light on how advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are exacerbating the crisis for human rights online. While AI technology offers numerous benefits, its misuse has intensified digital repression.
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Automated systems enable more precise and subtle forms of online censorship, and AI-generated content has made it easier to distort the truth and manipulate information.
Governments have utilized AI tools to escalate disinformation tactics and enhance online censorship, making censorship, surveillance, and the creation and spread of disinformation faster, cheaper, and more effective.
The report emphasized the concerning impact of AI as an amplifier of digital repression, urging for awareness and proactive measures to safeguard online freedoms.
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