Media and Information Influence

• Society is slowly transitioning to a digital, technology-aided civilization.
• Opportunities and challenges are associated with this transition.

Areas of Media and Information Influence

• The power and influence of media and information are greatly observed in several areas.
• These include economical, e-commerce, educational, social and political

Economical

• Economy refers to a country's or region's ability to produce and sustain wealth.
• This is done through the production and utilization of goods and services.
• An economy should focus on what to produce and consume.

E-commerce

• E-commerce (electronic commerce) involves using technology or connected networks to complete business transactions.
• Consumers can purchase products and services from home using e-commerce.

Educational

• Learning is no longer restricted to the classroom.
• Blended learning uses technology to enhance education.
• Platforms are available to upload files, assign online activities and quizzes, and manage learning systems.

Social

• People live in a digital society where social media revolves around communication and interaction.
• Social media is a great tool for sharing information, common interests, advocacies and reaching a large audience.

Political

• E-governance uses technology to deliver government services to citizens.
• It informs citizens and provides updates on government activities and projects.
• Local governments use websites to show current projects and activities.

Challenges in Media and Information

• Cybercrime is a challenge in media and information.

Cybercrime in the Philippines

• Cybercrime involves the use of information and communication technologies to commit crimes.
• These include radio, television, cellular phones, computers, and networks.
• President Benigno Aquino III signed a cybercrime bill into law on September 12, 2012.

What is Cybercrime?

• Cybercrime involves using a computer to further illegal actions.
• Criminal activity that involves the Internet, a computer system, or computer technology is cybercrime.

Budapest Convention on Cybercrime (2001)

• Criminal offenses in cyberspace include offenses against:
• Confidentiality
• Integrity
• Availability of computer data and systems
• Computer-related offenses
• Content-related offenses
• Offenses related to copyright infringement and related rights

Online Scams

• Online scams involve deceptive schemes conducted over the internet.
• The purpose of online scams is to defraud individuals or steal personal information.

Types of Online Scams

• Phishing scams involve fraudulent emails that appear to be from a reputable organization.
• Imposter scams involve scammers impersonating trusted organizations or entities.
• Deepfakes involve AI-generated media that mimics a real person's face and voice.
• Smishing involves fraudulent text messages, and vishing uses voice calls to trick individuals.
• Fake antivirus software tricks users into downloading software that demands payments.
• Cryptocurrency scams use fake initial coin offerings (ICOs) or phishing attacks to steal digital assets.

Overcoming Online Scams

• Vigilance and proactive measures are needed to be protected from online scams.
• The following strategies can help achieve this:
• Skepticism of unsolicited communications
• Verify the authenticity of requests
• Use two-factor authentication (2FA)
• Keep software updated
• Use strong, unique passwords
• Caution with links and attachments
• Secure your home Wi-Fi network
• Monitor financial statements
• Education about common scams
• Report suspected scams

Cybercrime-Related Laws in the Philippines

• Republic Act No. 10175: Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012
• Republic Act No. 9995: Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009
• Taking photos/videos or reproducing sexual acts without consent or consideration is prohibited.
• Republic Act No. 9775: Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009
• Production, distribution, and possession of child pornography is prohibited.
• Republic Act No. 9208: Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003
• Recruiting, transporting, or harboring individuals for exploitation, forced labor, or slavery is prohibited.
• Republic Act No. 8792: E-Commerce Act of 2000
• This facilitates domestic and international transactions, agreements, and exchanges utilizing electronic or optical mediums.
• Republic Act No. 8484: Access Device Regulation Act of 1998
• This regulates the use of access devices, prohibits fraudulent acts, and provides penalties.
• Republic Act No. 4200: Anti-Wiretapping Law
• This protects the right to privacy of communication and prohibits wiretapping.