Authorities in the Philippines are set to target a group of social media influencers for allegedly promoting illegal online gaming platforms.
During a press briefing, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Centre (CICC) confirmed that ten influencers are under suspicion, including names such as Perkz Gaming, Jam Magno, Vic Desucatan and Wampipti.
The action is being taken alongside PAGCOR, the country’s gaming regulator, and Digital Pinoys, a government-backed digital advocacy group, and follows similar warnings fired at a group of 30 influencers in November.
At the time, CICC’s chief undersecretary, Renato Paraiso, warned that the influencers could be charged with violations of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, Presidential Decree No. 1602, which prescribes stiffer penalties on illegal gambling, and Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code on estafa.
If prosecuted, the influencers could face fines and potential imprisonment under the Philippines’ cybercrime and gaming regulations.
CICC has been largely responsible for targeting the Philippines’ black market alongside the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG).
In October, CICC, alongside Digital Pinoys, said they had identified over 1,600 unlicensed gambling websites, many of which were using mirror sites designed to bypass regulatory takedowns.
PAGCOR wants greater ad restrictions
The status of online gaming has been consistently under the microscope of the Philippines’ Senators.
As a result, in a move to placate concerns, PAGCOR has committed to a raft of changes to strengthen regulation, including a TV and radio ad blackout during ‘primetime’ – between 5.30pm and 8.30pm.
In the latest hearing, PAGCOR’s chair and chief executive oficer, Alejandro Tengco, told Senators the body is exploring the possibility of a complete ban on gambling advertising.
He said: “Radio and TV stations are asking if they can still show the ads during dead slots, mainly for advertising revenue. But for us, if it’s possible to completely ban them, that’s what we want to enforce.”
PAGCOR has also committed Php 50m (£639,125) to fight against the black market.
