DoJ cautions netizens over malicious tagging

The Department of Justice (DoJ) has warned people, particularly those netizens who have been subject of malicious tagging in Facebook, as unscrupulous individuals may gain access and control of the unsuspecting victim’s account.

According to the DoJ’s Office of Cybercrime (OoC), it has come to its attention that a number of Facebook account users have been tagged via a post containing a link to a lewd video, and when the link have been accessed, the user will be asked to install an apparent update to a player in order to watch the video in full.

It said that when clicked, it will result in the automatic and random tagging in the same post of other Facebook account users.

This prompted the OoC to urge the public from clicking the link that often contains adult materials, and report the Facebook post immediately.

Clicking the link may prompt the malware to be downloaded to the victim’s phones and computers, the OoC stressed.

On the other hand, the Facebook APAC Legal Law Enforcement Outreach has already removed the page responsible for malicious tagging in the popular social media platform which often contains adult materials.

The OoC said it has received confirmation from the Facebook APAC Legal Law Enforcement Outreach that the page associated to the malicious tagging has been removed and its administrators were sanctioned.

Several Facebook users reported being tagged in comments to a post and then, once they click on the notification, they are redirected to a community page urging users to click another link to what appears to be a sex video.

A number of Facebook account users have been tagged via a post containing a link to a lewd video, and when the link have been accessed, the user will be asked to install an apparent update to a player.

“Introduction or transmission of viruses, such as malwares, to and interference in the functioning of computer systems are prohibited acts under Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012,” the DoJ-OoC said, adding that offenses against the confidentiality, integrity and availability of computer data and systems through the introduction or transmission of viruses are punishable under the law.

With this development, the DoJ-OoC is urging the public to be responsible netizens and practice responsible use of social media.