Anti-digital scam group pushes for stronger protection of internet users

Anti-digital fraud advocacy group Scam Watch Pilipinas is calling for stronger protection for everyday internet users, citing the need to prioritize citizen education and safeguards against online scams.

In a news release, the group said co-founder Jocel de Guzman spoke at the Google.org Impact Summit Asia Pacific held in New Delhi.

“Cybersecurity protects infrastructure. Digital safety protects citizens. Today, it is the user, not the server, that is under attack,” de Guzman said during a roundtable discussion.

He emphasized that protection efforts must reach the “last mile” — the users themselves — particularly vulnerable communities.

De Guzman cited a January 2026 report by the World Economic Forum identifying cyber-enabled fraud as among the most widespread global risks.

The report found that 73% of surveyed leaders had experienced personal or organizational impact from online fraud, which now ranks among top concerns for chief executive officers.

He added that digital safety should not be confined to a single department but integrated into leadership priorities, employee training, product design, and customer engagement.

During the summit, Scam Watch Pilipinas presented its Philippine Anti-Scam Quad Model, a framework promoting responsible online behavior, community education, cross-sector collaboration, and stronger reporting systems.

The initiative includes accessible tools such as the 1326 National Anti-Scam Hotline and the Whoscall Anti-Scam app by Gogolook.—MCG, GMA Integrated News