The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has renewed its partnership with Google Philippines, reinforcing efforts to curb the spread of false information and promote digital literacy nationwide.
In a joint statement released this week, the DICT and Google emphasized their shared responsibility to “protect Filipinos online and uphold digital integrity,” underscoring the critical need for vigilance in the face of rising disinformation.
“This partnership reflects a strong model of responsible digital governance and private-sector accountability—a necessary foundation in building a safe, trusted, and inclusive digital Philippines,” the statement read.
As part of the renewed collaboration, Google will bolster its use of AI-powered tools for content detection, improve human moderation systems, and tighten enforcement of YouTube’s Community Guidelines to better police misinformation on its platforms.
Simultaneously, the DICT’s Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) will roll out a rapid-response mechanism for reporting harmful and unlawful online content, aiming to enable faster intervention and heighten accountability in the digital space.
DICT secretary Henry R. Aguda described the partnership as “teamwork for truth,” noting that the initiative is designed to empower Filipinos to “spot fake news, think critically, and connect with confidence.”
The renewed collaboration also marks the launch of DigiBayanihan 2.0, a grassroots digital literacy campaign led by ASSIST and supported by Google Philippines. Targeting underserved communities in the Visayas and Mindanao, the campaign is aligned with DICT’s flagship Digital Bayanihan agenda and aims to deliver practical digital skills to those most in need.
With strengthened policies, smarter technologies, and united leadership, DICT and Google are working to ensure that every Filipino is equipped to navigate today’s complex online environment safely and responsibly.
