CYBERCRIME in the
World Wide Web
The evolution of the world we live in has been drastic, and quite rapid. The internet has invaded almost all facets of our lives—from our work, to our education, and to our businesses. This goes without saying that the internet, being some sort of uncontrollable creature, has its dark side too.
In 2000, a dangerous computer virus called The “I LOVE YOU” Computer Virus was unleashed by Onel de Guzman, a programming student from a
computer university in Manila. The virus was
received in e-mail inboxes in Hong Kong, wherein the subject of the e-mail was “I LOVE YOU”, with an attachment “LOVE-LETTER-FOR-YOU.TXT.vbs.” When e-mail users in Hong Kong clicked the attachment, it quickly erased and blurred the graphics and data in the computer. It also hacked and collected the contact addresses in the computer, then sends the same e-mail to all the contacts in that same computer—then it becomes a cycle. The “I LOVE YOU” virus did not only affect Hong Kong, but it spread like wildfire across the globe, including Europe and the United States. The virus cost billions
in damages.
At the time, the Philippines did not have laws in place yet on cyber-related crimes. Due to this, despite the arrest of Onel de Guzman, cases against him were dismissed for having no basis in law.
Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175) aims to protect online interactions and the Internet in the Philippines. While the Philippines also has other laws concerning the use of the Internet such as the Electronic Commerce Act (RA 8792), this law only regulated certain computer-related activities. It did not cover criminalizing certain acts involving the Internet, which Cybercrime Prevention Act does.
Under RA 10175, punishable acts are divided into three categories:
- Offenses against the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of computer
data and systems
This involves illegal access, interception, interference, and misuse of devices. It also covers
cyber-squatting, which is the acquisition of a domain name over the internet in bad faith,
to profit, mislead, destroy reputation, and deprive others from registering the same,
especially when the domain name is confusingly similar or identical or acquired with
intellectual property interests in it. - Computer-related offenses
This involves computer-related forgery, fraud, and identity theft. - Content-related offenses
This involves offenses which are rampant in the country and even in other countries—
cybersex and child pornography. Some people engage in these criminal acts in order to
earn income, and at the same time, violate people’s rights. Content-related offenses also
include unsolicited commercial communications and libel.
This involves offenses which are rampant in the country and even in other countries—cybersex and child pornography. Some people engage in these criminal acts in order to earn income, and at the same time, violate people’s rights. Content-related offenses also include unsolicited commercial communications and libel.
Other offenses include:
- Aiding or abetting in the commission of cybercrime
- Attempt in the commission of cybercrime
The Department of Justice has laid out the steps in reporting cybercrime. This may be done through:
a) walk-in;
b) online;
c) call;
d) letter report; and
e) referral.
The complaint-affidavit must have the pertinent attachments or evidence to support the claim, such as screenshots and receipts. Minors are also allowed to file a complaint for cybercrime, but he/she must be assisted by parents or guardians or registered social
worker
