A network of digital advocates welcomed House Resolution 1006, which seeks to investigate alleged online extortion and coordinated harassment activities committed by an online social media outfit.
Digital Pinoys national campaigner Ronald Gustilo said that several propaganda machineries and online personalities have weaponized social media for personal gain, influence, and notoriety while hiding behind freedom of expression and opinion.
“Weaponizing online spaces for self-gain and harassment should not be tolerated. If the investigation indeed pushes through, Congress should ensure that while freedom of expression is protected, illegal activities such as extortion, coercion, threats, and organized harassment are exposed and the perpetrators are punished,” Gustilo said.
Gustilo also urged Congress to clearly draw the line between legitimate criticism and coordinated coercive activities in order to protect legitimate voices while isolating dangerous propaganda noise.
“We must ensure that any future policies or regulatory measures target criminal and abusive behavior, and not legitimate journalism, whistleblowing, satire, activism, or criticism against public officials. Otherwise, vague and overbroad policies can later be weaponized against ordinary citizens and legitimate dissent,” Gustilo said.
Gustilo also called on social media platforms and relevant government agencies to strengthen mechanisms against coordinated harassment, online intimidation, and monetized digital abuse operations.
“The digital space should remain open for criticism, accountability, and public discourse, but it should never become a safe haven for extortionists, cyberbullies, and organized online harassment networks,” Gustilo said.
