The National Privacy Commission (NPC) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) have officially sealed their commitment to enhance the digital security and privacy of every Filipino through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on October 11, 2023.
The MOA marks the launch of the Digital Security and Privacy Quick Response (DSPQR) Project, a groundbreaking complaints-handling system meant to address privacy violations and concerns. The DSPQR Project will be integrated into the eGov application under the Government Digital Transformation Bureau, allowing citizens to report and resolve privacy issues and cybersecurity threats.
Under the MOA, DICT will allocate resources for the DSPQR Project and establish a framework for regular reporting by NPC. In return, NPC will actively engage as an implementing unit of the DICT, focusing on raising awareness, educating individuals and organizations about the DSPQR Project, and highlighting its effectiveness in addressing privacy issues and cybersecurity threats.
In addition, NPC will play a vital role in triaging cases involving cybersecurity threats, consumer-related concerns, and data privacy issues monitored and reported through various channels, such as the Consumer Complaint Center, Contact Center ng Bayan, the National Computer Emergency Response Team, and the NPC.
Privacy Commissioner Atty. John Henry D. Naga expressed optimism about this collaboration’s ability to meet this mandate, stating, “The MOA between NPC and DICT is a significant step towards ensuring the digital security and privacy of our fellow Filipinos. The Digital Security and Privacy Quick Response Project will empower us to swiftly address privacy concerns and violations, ultimately upholding every citizen’s right to privacy in this digital age.”
The partnership reflects the government’s commitment to achieve its digitalization goals, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s stance on digital transformation. The MOA signifies a significant leap forward in providing cutting-edge services while protecting the digital rights and privacy of every Filipino.
The DSPQR Project will be operational on October 25, 2023.
