New DICT chief flags online violent extremism as ‘clear and present danger’

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Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Robert Joseph de Claro has raised concerns over online nihilistic violent extremism (NVE), describing it as a “clear and present danger” that requires greater vigilance and stronger efforts to protect Filipino children.

De Claro said he has spent the past two weeks reviewing the emerging online threat, which he believes requires serious attention.

“And it’s what I call a clear and present danger. We have, as a nation, we have to be more vigilant,” De Claro said.

The DICT chief emphasized the importance of working with organizations that can help strengthen safeguards for children against harmful online activities.

“Try to work with organizations that can help our children be better protected,” he said.

Asked about the proposed social media ban for minors, De Claro did not provide a definitive position, saying the government would carefully review the matter.

De Claro said the media could also play an important role in raising awareness about online threats and helping ensure that the public is better protected against NVE.

His remarks come days after the Senate approved on third reading a measure seeking to prohibit minors below 18 years old from accessing social media platforms.

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The proposed restrictions have also prompted child protection organizations, including UNICEF and Scam Watch Pilipinas, to emphasize that social media bans alone would not be sufficient to keep children safe online.

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Scam Watch Pilipinas, UNICEF aligned on social media ban concerns

De Claro is the newly appointed DICT secretary, succeeding Henry Aguda following his resignation from the department.

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Malacañang announces De Claro as new DICT secretary