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The Philippines’ Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is studying whether it can restrict access to messaging platform Telegram following allegations that the service is being used to facilitate illegal gambling, pornography and other cybercrimes, Secretary Henry Aguda said in an interview with DZRH.
The move, however, could also disrupt the growing blockchain and crypto industry, which uses the platform as its messaging app of choice.
Enforcement Pressure Shifts Activity Online
The Philippines has intensified enforcement against illegal online gambling in recent years, particularly following heightened scrutiny of offshore gaming operators.
- As regulators increased oversight of web-based platforms, some operators migrated to encrypted messaging channels like Telegram that are harder to monitor, Aguda said on news station DZRH.
- The secretary said Telegram has become one of the platforms under review due to alleged gambling-related activity circulating within group chats.
It is unclear whether the DICT has issued a formal notice to Telegram seeking cooperation.
Child Exploitation Labeled “Non-Negotiable”
Beyond gambling, Aguda said online sexual exploitation and abuse of children is a “non-negotiable” concern.
He warned that continued proliferation of such material could prompt the department to recommend blocking action against platforms that fail to act.
The Philippines has faced sustained international scrutiny over online child exploitation cases, leading to expanded coordination between domestic law enforcement and foreign agencies. Officials say encrypted services complicate investigations when platform-level cooperation is limited.
A Possible Blow to Crypto Communities
The Philippines has one of Southeast Asia’s most active retail crypto user bases, according to multiple industry reports.
- Many crypto startups operate official Telegram groups to share announcements, manage user support and distribute real-time market information.
- Trading communities and decentralized finance projects also rely heavily on the platform’s group and broadcast features.
A nationwide block could therefore disrupt communications for blockchain startups either operating in the Philippines or communicating with customers or users in the country. This could potentially affect local participation in global digital asset markets.
Inter-Agency Coordination
The DICT said it is working with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to dismantle illegal online gambling operations and other cyber-related crimes.
Any move to block Telegram would likely require coordination with telecommunications regulators and internet service providers, similar to the ban other regulators have enforced on unregistered crypto exchanges.
Disclosure: AI is used to assist in developing this story.
This article is published on BitPinas: Report: DICT Weighs Banning Telegram
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