Communications & Technology

The National Privacy Commission (NPC) is ramping up efforts to strengthen data protection and govern emerging technologies, unveiling plans to expand its regional presence and deepen oversight of artificial intelligence as it marked its 10th anniversary during National Data Privacy Awareness Week 2026.

Puregold Price Club, Inc. and GCash are expanding digital payment and financial management tools for sari-sari stores, a move aimed at accelerating financial inclusion and helping thousands of small retailers modernize their operations.

Oracle shares surged nearly 8 percent on Monday as investors doubled down on a powerful Wall Street wager that the artificial intelligence boom will require vast amounts of cloud capacity and computing power. 

PLDT Inc. said Tuesday its wireless unit, Smart Communications Inc., will rely on tailored data solutions and faster 5G adoption to drive growth amid a broader industry slowdown. Moving away from standard packages, Smart now uses advanced analytics to create customized plans matched to each user’s needs and budget. Smart co-OIC Lloyd Manaloto noted this approach lets them deliver the right service at the right time, while PLDT COO Menardo G. Jimenez highlighted how targeted offers help counter slower growth.

As more businesses go digital and use AI tools, cybersecurity has become as critical as internet access itself. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which drive local jobs and economic growth, are increasingly at risk—cyberattacks targeting them have jumped as much as 325 percent, since automated threats look for weak points regardless of company size.