APEC Strengthens Trust with Data Protection System Data protection in the Asia-Pacific region has just received a significant boost with the appointment of the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) by Singapore as its accountability agent. Singapore joined the APEC Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) system in March last year and has become the third economy after the United States and Japan to operationalize the system. DICT: Mechanisms in place to control cybersecurity risks As more players get into the telecommunications industry, the government says it’s tightening its cybersecurity measures. Banks step up battle vs cybercrime Philippine banks continue to step up…

APEC Bolsters Confidence in Digital Economy To strengthen consumer confidence in electronic commerce in the Pacific Rim region, the APEC Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) system is adding to its roster of accountability agents, who ensure that participating firms are safeguarding consumers’ personal information while fostering growth of the digital economy. Senate OKs bill imposing life imprisonment for bank hackers, ATM fraudsters The Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading a House measure that seeks life imprisonment for bank hackers and ATM skimmers. Globe launches first 5G service in Southeast Asia Globe Telecom Inc on Thursday launched Southeast Asia’s…

Is there an end-all solution to cybersecurity attacks, financial threats? “The Philippines GDP currently stands at about $305 billion. With our economy on a continuous upward growth trajectory, many of us remain optimistic in the business landscape of today,” said Vic Tria, first vice president for PLDT ALPHA, at the 30th Bankers Institute of the Philippines Inc. (BAIPHIL) Convention held last March at the Baguio Country Club. Tria, however, cited a recent study by Frost and Sullivan for Microsoft, in which 1.1% of the GDP may be lost due to threats on cybersecurity. NBI cites roles of LGUs in cybercrime…

Initiatives on cybersecurity, digital trade and smart cities announced at inaugural ASEAN-Australia Summit The inaugural ASEAN-Australia Special Summit concluded on March 18, with the regional leaders agreeing on the Sydney Declaration. The Declaration sets out a vision for the future of the ASEAN-Australia partnership and commitment to drive regional economic integration and elevate cooperation on complex regional challenges including cyber, maritime and people trafficking. Rappler’s cyber libel case will make Cybercrime Law unconstitutional  If the Department of Justice (DOJ) charges Rappler with cyber libel over a May 2012 article, it risks rendering the Cybercrime Prevention Act unconstitutional, cybercrime law expert…