The Philippine Department of Information and Communications Technology has placed messaging app Telegram “under observation” due to alleged criminal activity on the platform, including online gambling, scams and online sexual exploitation of children.
DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said the agency is monitoring a surge in illegal activity linked to the app and warned that a failure to cooperate with authorities could result in a recommendation to block the service.
He stressed that issues involving the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children are non negotiable and must be met with firm action.
Authorities said one major challenge is Telegram’s lack of a physical office in the Philippines, which limits the government’s ability to identify individuals using the platform for criminal activity.
Renato “Aboy” Paraiso, Executive Director of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Council, said the government needs mechanisms to obtain the credentials of suspects using the platform for scamming, illegal drug trade or prostitution. An application, he said, cannot become a refuge for criminals simply because there is no local coordination.
Both DICT and CICC emphasised that banning Telegram in the Philippines is a last resort. The preferred approach is stronger collaboration and accountability from technology companies operating in the country.
Until then, the government urged the public to remain vigilant as authorities continue efforts to protect users and enforce cybercrime laws.
Telegram, founded in 2013, is known for its encrypted messaging features, which have previously drawn scrutiny from governments worldwide
