Mabuhay, Pinoy Mozillians! As advocates for an open and accessible internet, we must stay informed and engaged in matters that impact the digital landscape in the Philippines. One such significant development is the proposed Internet Transactions Act of 2023 and its Implementing Rules & Regulations (IRR) released by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) this week. In line with Mozilla’s mission to ensure the internet remains a global public resource, we invite you to actively participate in reviewing and providing feedback on this legislation.
The proposed Internet Transactions Act is a cornerstone in shaping the digital environment in the Philippines, and its IRR will define the practical implications of the law. Your insights and expertise are essential in ensuring that the regulations crafted by the DTI align with Mozilla’s core principles of an open, accessible, and user-centric internet.
Mozilla’s mission is to ensure the internet is a global public resource, open and accessible to all. It strives to create a more inclusive digital world where individuals can freely explore and express themselves online. By engaging with the review of the Internet Transactions Act’s IRR, Pinoy Mozillians can actively contribute to the fulfillment of this mission by advocating for an internet that prioritizes user rights, privacy, and innovation.
The proposed legislation aims to regulate online transactions, ensuring the protection of consumers and fostering a secure digital marketplace. However, the devil lies in the details, and it’s crucial to scrutinize the IRR to identify any potential threats to user privacy, internet freedom, or the principles of net neutrality.
A copy of the draft IRR is available in this shared document. Please feel free to leave your comments and suggestions in the shared document for MozillaPH to collate and submit to the DTI.
Key Areas to Review
- User Privacy:
Examine provisions related to data collection, storage, and sharing. Ensure that users have control over their personal information and that adequate measures are in place to protect their privacy. - Net Neutrality:
Assess how the IRR addresses the principles of net neutrality, ensuring that internet service providers treat all data on the internet the same, without discrimination or preference given to particular websites or services. - Innovation and Accessibility:
Evaluate the impact of the regulations on the ability of digital platforms to innovate and provide accessible services to all Filipinos, regardless of location or socio-economic status. - User Rights and Responsibilities:
Examine how the IRR outlines the rights and responsibilities of internet users, striking a balance between protection and freedom.
Dates to Remember
- Thursday, 29 February 2024 – onwards:
The shared document will be open for your comments and suggestions. - Saturday, 09 March 2024 at 1300H (GMT+8):
The shared document will be closed for comments and suggestions. - Saturday, 09 March 2024 at 2000H (GMT+8):
An online meeting will be held to finalize the position paper to be submitted by MozillaPH to the DTI. - Tuesday, 12 March 2024:
DTI deadline for accepting comments and suggestions from the Filipino public.
Pinoy Mozillians, your active participation in the review of the proposed Internet Transactions Act’s IRR is a testament to our commitment to a free, open, and accessible Internet. By working together, we can help shape regulations that safeguard the welfare of Filipino internet users and uphold Mozilla’s mission. Let’s ensure that the digital landscape in the Philippines reflects the values we hold dear, fostering a digital environment that empowers every Filipino to thrive online.
