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Online libel, voyeurism cases increased in 2024 — PNP-ACG


Online libel, voyeurism cases increased in 2024 — PNP-ACG

The Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) reported an increase in cases of online libel and voyeurism in 2024 compared to the previous year.

In a statement released Thursday, the ACG said cases of photo and video voyeurism under the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009, in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, climbed to 347 from 294.

Cases of online libel, meanwhile, rose slightly to 1,458 from 1,403.

"The reported online libel cases increased by 55 or 3.92 percent from 1,403 in 2023 to 1,458 in 2024, while cases under RA 9995 rose by 53 or 18.02 percent, from 294 to 347 during the same period," the ACG said.

"This surge can be attributed to the growing use of social media and broader internet access, which has led to an increase in digital interactions where defamatory statements and false information often thrive," it added.

'Acts of revenge, retaliation'

According to the ACG, the increase in photo and video voyeurism among former lovers was mainly due to "acts of revenge or emotional retaliation."

"The widespread availability of intimate content shared during relationships, combined with the ease of online distribution, enables such harmful behavior to proliferate," the ACG said.

ACG chief Police Brigadier General Bernard Yang reminded the public that such offenses cause significant harm, tarnish reputations, and infringe on personal privacy.

Yang said the ACG is prepared to address such incidents as he encouraged victims to report these crimes to the police. — VDV, GMA Integrated News