PROTECTION FROM ONLINE CRIMES

www.legaldictionary.net defines cybercrime as “any criminal activity that entails the use of a computer system, computer technology, or the internet”. As someone who is familiar with computers, I would say that that definition also covers mobile phones, because these are basically small computers also. It would also cover any activity that is offline, as long as a computer or a mobile phone is used. www.uslegal.com defines a computer as “a device that computes, often a programmable machine, which can perform a programmed list of instructions and respond to new instructions given to it”. My own definition is much simpler. I define a computer as any device that has a processor, a display and a keyboard or keypad. Whenever we talk about computers, it is implied that one way or the other, the DICT, the NTC, the DTI and the DOST would be involved. However, whenever we talk about crime, it is also implied that the DOJ, the DILG, the NBI and the PNP would be involved. In layman’s language a crime is just like any other crime, except that it becomes a cybercrime whenever a computer is used, in whatever way. With all the many government agencies involved in enforcing cybercrime laws, how do we ensure the protection of our citizens against these crimes? As far as I am concerned, I would always say that the LGUs should take the lead, under the supervision of the DILG, assisted by the other agencies. IKE SENERES/02-05-2024