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A proposed safety measure for the online protection of vulnerable sectors, including members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and more (LGBTQ+) community is being put forward by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

During the Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality hearing last month, the DICT noted how acts of discrimination are proliferating on online platforms as the use and reliance on technology grows.

“A further safety measure should be put in place in order to ensure that Filipinos do not experience discriminatory acts online and by doing so, not only will this benefit the LGBTQ persons, but all others made vulnerable by discrimination through online platforms,” DICT Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa Camba said.

The DICT also expressed its support for the proposed Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or Expression, or Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Equality Act.

“The Department of ICT interposes no objection to the proposed legislative measures, as we in the department also recognize the importance of promoting equality among all citizens regardless of their SOGIESC,” Camba said. The DICT also supports child online protection initiatives including the launch of the Child Online Safeguarding Policy (COSP). Through these efforts, the Department aims to promote a safer digital space for Filipinos.