AI: Phl gov’t using digital tools to stifle dissent

Human rights organization Amnesty International (AI) has discovered the increasing use of Facebook and other online tools to target young activists and stifle dissent and freedom of expression in the Philippines.

- By JANVIC MATEO

AI yesterday released a report highlighting how the Duterte and Marcos administrations have weaponized digital tools, misinformation and anti-terror laws in red-tagging campaigns that target young activists.

“Activists and other critical voices are being red-tagged and identified as targets by the government, and then pursued online. However, in the Philippines, the issue does not only concern online harassment; it also results in tangible harm offline,” AI’s Amnesty Tech director Damini Satija said.

“Over the years, red-tagging has been used to instigate direct threats and attacks on those who criticize and oppose the government and Meta is playing an enabling role in this,” Satija added.

Meta owns Facebook, the most popular social media platform in the Philippines.

For its report, AI interviewed 41 human rights defenders in the country to look into the extent of state-sponsored campaigns against the youth who express dissent against the government and its policies.