Karapatan Condemns Social Media Registration as Repressive State Tool
Human rights organization Karapatan has issued a strong condemnation of a proposed social media registration scheme, denouncing it as a blatant attempt by the State to suppress freedom of speech and expression while violating the people's fundamental right to privacy. The group's secretary general, Cristina Palabay, articulated these concerns in a recent statement, highlighting the alarming implications of such a policy.
Lessons from the SIM Registration Law Failure
Karapatan points to the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Law as a cautionary tale. Initially promoted as a solution to combat scammers and cybercriminals, the law has proven largely ineffective in curbing cybercrime. Instead, it has created a centralized database containing private citizen information, which is now accessible to both State security agencies and cybercrime syndicates. This database, according to Karapatan, facilitates surveillance and other malicious activities, undermining public trust.
Flawed Premises and Hidden Agendas
The proposed social media registration scheme is based on the same flawed and discredited premises as the SIM Registration Law. Given the SIM law's evident failure to stop cybercrime, Karapatan argues that the State's real motive behind social media registration is to curtail free speech and expression. This is particularly concerning amid widespread exposés of bureaucratic corruption, which are fueling public outrage and demands for systemic change. The timing suggests an effort to silence dissent and control the narrative.
Targeting Dissent and Social Media Activity
Karapatan notes a disturbing trend where individuals recently charged by the Department of Justice with sedition have been targeted not only for participating in anti-protest rallies but also for their social media activities. These activities often involve discussing corruption scandals and urging public action. The social media registration scheme is seen as the next logical step by the State to intimidate citizens, discouraging them from airing grievances or seeking redress for corruption and other issues.
Solidarity in Opposition to Repression
In conclusion, Karapatan stands firmly with the people in strongly opposing the social media registration scheme. The group characterizes it as another repressive tool designed by the Marcos Jr. regime to curtail basic freedoms. They call for vigilance and collective action to protect democratic rights and resist measures that threaten privacy and free expression in the Philippines.
