Author: PhilSTAR Tech Team

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has shortened its deadline for Roblox to about 15 days, warning that the platform could face a temporary nationwide ban if it fails to address safety concerns within the tighter window. The CICC initially gave Roblox around 30 days to respond, but officials reduced the timeline after identifying urgent risks involving young users. The move shows the growing pressure on the company to act faster on content moderation and user protection. Authorities said the platform has been linked to cases involving online grooming, inappropriate interactions, and exposure of minors to harmful content. Because…

Trust and credibility, not follower count, are now the biggest drivers of creator-led sales in the Philippines, with 83% of marketers saying content performs better when creators have clear expertise or a strong fit with their niche, according to a study by Unbox Creator Network (UCN). The same report said social commerce in the Philippines is set to reach $20.05 billion in 2026, as Filipino consumers move from product discovery to purchase in just a few taps. Driving this growth is a clear shift in audience behavior, with Filipinos turning away from polished, highly curated influencers and engaging more with…

Samsung is making it easier for Galaxy users to share files across devices by adding AirDrop support to Quick Share on the Galaxy S26 Series. The feature has been available since March 23 in South Korea, with a global expansion planned for Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Latin America, North America, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan. Initially exclusive to the Galaxy S26 series, Samsung said it will bring AirDrop support to more devices in the future. RELATED STORY: Galaxy S26 Series’ most useful features and what’s worth your attention With this update, Galaxy users can enjoy seamless file transfers similar to Apple’s…

Telecommunications company Globe has donated IMSI catcher detectors to key government agencies to strengthen the country’s response against mobile scams and fake cell sites. The devices were turned over to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to help identify and locate unauthorized signal activity in real time. The initiative targets the growing use of illegal mobile infrastructure such as IMSI catchers, also known as fake base stations, which allow cybercriminals to send fraudulent SMS messages directly to mobile users. These attacks bypass traditional network safeguards because they operate…

Smartphone brand nubia is building momentum in the Philippine gaming market with the upcoming release of its Neo 5 Gaming Series, set for a public debut on March 28 at SM Megamall Fashion Hall. Built as a gaming-focused smartphone line at a more accessible price point, the Neo 5 Series draws design and engineering cues from REDMAGIC, known for its high-performance gaming ecosystem. The devices combine a futuristic look with hardware tuned for competitive mobile gaming, targeting a fast-growing segment of Filipino players looking for better performance without premium pricing. The Neo 5 Series is expected to feature high-refresh-rate displays,…

A new electric tram designed and built by Filipinos is now giving free rides around Intramuros, offering a cleaner and quieter way to explore one of the country’s most historic areas. The 18-seater e-tranvia, developed through a partnership between the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Intramuros Administration, runs on batteries instead of diesel, cutting down smoke and noise along the narrow streets of the Walled City. Built to match the look of old tranvias from the late 1800s, the vehicle blends in with Intramuros’ heritage setting while using modern technology underneath. It is part of the efforts…

Ribbon cutting witnessed by key executives, names: Sr. Ma. Celeste Rivas SPC SPHTI, BEBIG Medical GmbH CEO George Chan, BEBIG Philippines President Rafael Peter Fernando, POCC Managing Director Miguel Lanzona III Sr. Ma. Celeste Rivas SPC SPHTI Hospital Administrator gave the welcome remarks. BEBIG Medical Philippines President Rafael Peter Fernando in his opening remarks BEBIG Medical GmbH CEO George Chan in his keynote message, emphasized “Affordable healthcare for everyone” Unveiling and blessing of the SAGISTAR LINAC linear accelerator, witnessed by key executives A significant milestone. St. Paul Tuguegarao Hospital was the venue for the formal launch and unveiling of the first BEBIG SAGISTAR LINAC medical linear accelerator held last January 23, 2026. The…

The Philippine Tech Show 2026 officially opened today at the SMX Convention Center Manila, marking the start of one of the country’s largest gatherings of technology innovators, industry leaders, policymakers, and digital entrepreneurs. Hosted by the Philippine Cable and Telecommunications Association (PCTA), the four-day event showcases cutting-edge technologies and digital solutions that are transforming industries and accelerating the Philippines’ digital transformation. This year’s show features over 100 exhibitors, a wide range of technology demonstrations, and a comprehensive program of conferences, workshops, and networking sessions designed to foster collaboration across the technology ecosystem. RELATED STORY: Philippine Tech Show 2026 set to…

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said there is no verified breach affecting the infrastructure of the eGov PH platform, a government mobile app and portal that centralizes public services, following reports of alleged unauthorized access now under review by the National Privacy Commission (NPC). The alleged breach first circulated on social media, prompting the DICT to initiate a technical assessment through its National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT) and the eGovPH team. The review covered system logs, access controls, network activity, and overall platform infrastructure. The department said it continues to coordinate with the NPC to ensure…

South Trading Post (STP), a weekend flea market and community hub, marked its second year by scaling up merchant events and digital engagement, backed by connectivity support from DITO Telecommunity’s BizBayan platform. The February milestone event brought together STP’s growing community of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), capping a series of activations that highlighted how hybrid commerce, both offline and online, is shaping modern retail experiences. “STP represents what the modern market looks like today, where business happens seamlessly both offline and online. With DITO’s 5G connectivity, we’re helping MSMEs power cashless payments, connect with customers in real time,…