DICT launches digital war room to fight fake news

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has launched a "digital war room" to combat fake news and disinformation ahead of the upcoming elections.

The "digital war room," officially named the Threat Monitoring Center, is a collaboration between the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center and the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Its primary goal is to detect, disrupt, and dismantle online misinformation and disinformation to protect the integrity of the electoral process.

DICT Secretary Henry Aguda stated that the center represents the government's commitment to safeguarding truth and transparency in the digital space.

Comelec Chairman Garcia highlighted the massive scale of misinformation circulating online, often using fragmented information spread through social media.

The center will employ advanced techniques such as cutting-edge forensics, rapid-response coordination, and real-time surveillance.

It will involve representatives from various government agencies, law enforcement, fact-checkers, technology platforms, and civil society organizations to achieve its objectives.