Author: Dawn Solano

Former Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary Jeffrey Dy has opposed the Senate-approved social media ban for minors, urging the government to empower parents rather than penalize them for their children’s online activities. Dy said the government should prioritize parental controls, digital literacy and access to mental health services instead of imposing blanket restrictions on children’s social media use. “The government should come in only to empower parents. Empower them instead of penalize them,” Dy told PhilSTAR Tech on the sidelines of Singapore International Cyber Week 2026. Dy criticized Senate Bill 2424, saying the proposed measure oversimplifies children’s…

SINGAPORE — Rising cyber threats, geopolitical tensions and rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are putting international cooperation to the test as governments confront an increasingly complex cybersecurity landscape. Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) chief executive Gwenda Fong raised these challenges during the opening of the 11th Singapore International Cyber Week (SICW) on Oct. 13 at Marina Bay Sands, emphasizing the need for stronger cooperation among governments, technology companies and critical infrastructure operators. The conference carries the theme “Cyber as a Crossroads: Shaping the New Cyber Order,” reflecting the growing challenges countries face in securing interconnected digital systems amid…

Singapore has raised concerns over the cybersecurity risks of autonomous AI systems, warning that AI capabilities are advancing faster than efforts to address potential threats.

Outgoing Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda has broken his silence following his resignation from the Marcos administration, assuring the public that the agency’s operations and digital initiatives would continue despite the leadership change. In a statement on Monday, Oct. 12, Aguda thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the opportunity to serve as DICT chief. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the trust and opportunity to have served as Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology,” Aguda said. He also committed to ensuring a smooth transition, with essential government…

LG Electronics Philippines is eyeing opportunities in the country’s data center cooling market as growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud services drives the need for more advanced cooling systems. The company expects demand for commercial and industrial cooling solutions, including those used in data centers, to increase over the next one to two years as the Philippines expands its digital infrastructure. LG Electronics Philippines sales manager Vanlee Budod said that data centers have become a priority for the company’s global business. “Our main target, actually, LG Global’s main target right now are data centers,” Budod told reporters. Budod…

The Child Rights Network (CRN) criticized the Senate’s approval of a bill restricting social media access for minors below 18, warning that the measure would punish children for online harms they did not create. In a statement exclusively provided to PhilSTAR Tech, CRN described the Senate’s approval of the measure as a setback for children’s rights. “This is not protection. It is punishment. Children should not be punished for the failure of adults to keep them safe,” the group said. The Senate approved Senate Bill No. 2424, or the proposed Safe Media Access and Responsible Technology for Kids in Digital…

Foldable phones may have already proven that smartphones can bend, fold, and transform, but their next challenge could be convincing consumers that the form factor is more than a novelty.For Stephen Cheng, vice president of HONOR, that change is already taking place as consumers become more familiar with foldable technology and begin asking more practical questions about what these devices can offer.“The conversation is no longer just about the novelty of having a phone that folds. Consumers are asking about durability, battery life, cameras, performance, and, more importantly, how the device can fit into their everyday lives,” Cheng told PhilSTAR…

Buying a refurbished phone could come with a one-year warranty and clearer seller responsibilities under rules proposed by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). The proposed framework seeks to protect consumers from defective, stolen and illegally acquired devices. It would cover both physical and online stores, NTC Commissioner Ella Blanca Lopez told PhilSTAR Tech. The proposal has also drawn concerns from Samsung over intellectual property and reputational risks, according to Lopez. She said the NTC would consider stakeholder concerns and include appropriate safeguards in the final circular. PhilSTAR Tech has reached out to Samsung for comment but has yet to receive…

Google will begin restricting free access to its Gemini artificial intelligence chatbot on Oct. 9, with users losing access to its Flash and Pro models unless they subscribe to a paid plan. Users without a subscription will retain access to Flash-Lite, according to a Google advisory on changes to model availability for personal accounts. The advisory did not specify a separate rollout schedule for the Philippines. Flash-Lite is designed for everyday tasks such as summarizing information and brainstorming, while Flash combines speed and reasoning to handle a broader range of questions, according to Google. Pro is intended for more demanding…

Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda said he remains focused on his duties amid reports of his resignation, stressing that he serves at the pleasure of the President. In a statement on Oct. 7, Aguda acknowledged circulating reports about his position but did not directly confirm or deny that he had submitted his resignation. Malacañang, however, said Aguda remains DICT secretary. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro addressed the reports during a briefing in Singapore. “At this time, I remain focused on carrying out my responsibilities and ensuring the continuity of the Department’s work,” Aguda said. The DICT chief added…