Philippines: The CyberCrime Prevention Act of 2012
The Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 is a law passed by the Philippine government to address cybercrime in the country. The law criminalizes a wide range of cyber activities, including cyberbullying, online fraud, identity theft, hacking, and the distribution of child pornography. It also provides for penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for offences such as cyber espionage and cyber terrorism.
The law establishes the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center (CICC) as the lead agency responsible for investigating and prosecuting cybercrime in the country. The CICC works closely with other law enforcement agencies and international partners to develop and implement effective strategies for combatting cybercrime.
The law is controversial due to its provision on online libel, which has been criticized as threatening freedom of speech and the press. This provision was subsequently revised by the Supreme Court to address concerns about its potential to be used to infringe on civil liberties and freedom of expression.
CHAPTER I: Preliminary provisions
SEC. 1. Title
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms
CHAPTER II: Punishable acts
SEC. 4. Cybercrime Offenses
SEC. 5. Other Offenses
SEC. 6. All crimes defined and penalized by the Revised Penal Code, as amended, and special laws, if committed by …
SEC. 7. Liability under Other Laws.
CHAPTER III: Penalties
SEC. 8. Penalties.
SEC. 9. Corporate Liability.
CHAPTER IV: Enforcement and implementation
SEC. 10. Law Enforcement Authorities.
SEC. 11. Duties of Law Enforcement Authorities.
SEC. 12. Real-Time Collection of Traffic Data.
SEC. 13. Preservation of Computer Data.
SEC. 14. Disclosure of Computer Data.
SEC. 15. Search, Seizure and Examination of Computer Data.
SEC. 16. Custody of Computer Data.
SEC. 17. Destruction of Computer Data.
SEC. 18. Exclusionary Rule.
SEC. 19. Restricting or Blocking Access to Computer Data.
SEC. 20. Noncompliance.
CHAPTER V: Jurisdiction
SEC. 21. Jurisdiction.
CHAPTER VI: International cooperation
Sec. 22. General Principles Relating to International Cooperation.
CHAPTER VII: Competent authorities
SEC 23. Department of Justice (DOJ).
SEC. 24. Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center.
SEC. 25. Composition.
SEC. 26. Powers and Functions.
CHAPTER VIII: Final provisions
SEC. 27. Appropriations.
SEC. 28. Implementing Rules and Regulations.
SEC. 29. Separability Clause.
SEC. 30. Repealing Clause.
SEC. 31. Effectivity.
