NPC, Globe team up to strengthen online safety, data privacy among Filipino youth

• Courtesy of NPC

The National Privacy Commission (NPC) and Globe Telecom have joined forces to strengthen data privacy awareness and online safety among Filipino youth, as children face growing risks in an increasingly digital world.

The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on October 19, at The Upper Class Tower in Quezon City, aims to equip young Filipinos with the knowledge and skills to protect their personal information, recognize online threats, and use digital technologies responsibly.

NPC Privacy Commissioner Atty. Johann Carlos Barcena emphasized that protecting children online requires more than restricting their access to technology, stressing the importance of education and awareness.

“It takes a village to raise a child. That village should extend to the digital world. Children should not have to choose between enjoying the benefits of technology and being safe online. They deserve both. And that requires digital literacy to go hand in hand with privacy awareness, responsible technology use, and the protection of their rights,” Barcena said.

Under the agreement, the NPC and Globe will explore joint educational programs, public awareness campaigns, and capacity-building initiatives focused on data protection, digital citizenship, digital wellness, and the responsible use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI).

The collaboration will also support the NPC’s Kabataang Digital Program, which promotes privacy awareness, responsible online behavior, and digital citizenship among young Filipinos.

Through the Kabataang Digital Regional Caravan, the commission conducts educational sessions covering the Data Privacy Act of 2012, responsible gadget and application use, and the rights of individuals over their personal data.

Globe may participate in selected activities by providing speakers and educational materials to help bring privacy education to more communities.

The telecommunications company will also share videos and other learning resources from its Digital Thumbprint Program for use in NPC awareness campaigns, training sessions, events, and public engagements.

Barcena said the partnership seeks to make digital safety education accessible not only to children but also to parents, educators, and other adults responsible for their welfare.

“Through this Memorandum of Understanding, the National Privacy Commission and Globe are establishing a framework for collaboration that can bring these lessons closer to children and the adults responsible for their welfare,” Barcena added.

Representing Globe during the signing was Atty. Irish Krystle Salandanan-Almeida, Chief Privacy Officer and Head of the Digital Policy and Governance Group.

Salandanan-Almeida stressed that privacy protection should go beyond policies and technical safeguards, noting that internet users must also understand their rights and recognize potential risks.

“Protecting people online goes beyond having strong privacy policies and safeguards. People also need the knowledge and confidence to understand their rights, recognize risks, and make informed decisions whenever they go online,” she said.

“By continuing our work with the National Privacy Commission, we can bring practical privacy and digital safety education closer to the people and communities who need it,” she added.

The partnership underscores the growing role of government and private-sector collaboration in helping Filipino families navigate digital risks while ensuring that young people can continue benefiting from technology.