DOJ’s cybercrime office to probe fake FB accounts; NPC alerts FB

Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra yesterday said he will order an investigation into “the apparent proliferation of fake or dummy accounts on Facebook (FB).” He said he will direct the office of cybercrime of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to coordinate with its counterparts in the

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the probe.

“This gives me cause for worry. We don’t need false information at a time when we’re dealing with a serious public health crisis,” Guevarra said in a text message to journalists covering the DOJ.

The National Privacy Commission (NPC) is monitoring reports on the proliferation of alleged impostor FB accounts that have victimized Filipino data subjects.

“While the extent of these incidents are not yet fully determined at this time, we have been receiving reports from different sectors, mostly coming from academic institutions,” said NPC Commissioner Raymund Liboro.

Liboro said the NPC immediately brought the reported incidents to the attention of Facebook.

Clare Amador, Facebook Representative in the Philippines, said they are already investigating the matter as well as other information on unauthorized FB accounts.

Liboro has instructed Facebook to report its significant findings as soon as it becomes available.

In addition, the NPC urged everyone to report alleged impostor accounts to Facebook through https:// www.facebook.com/help/report.

At least three universities — San Beda University, University of the Philippines, and De La Salle University have reported impostor FB accounts of their students, teachers, and alumni.

Some individuals have also reported that their FB accounts have been hacked.

A report made by Tug-ani, the official student publication of UP Cebu, showed that there were duplicate accounts of activists arrested during an anti-terrorism bill protest last Friday.

“Dozens of empty duplicate accounts bearing active usernames of UP Cebu students surface tonight.

Victims speculate that this might involve identity theft or targeted attacks against UP students,” Tug-ani wrote on Facebook.

The Office of the Student Regent (OSR) of the University of the Philippines (UP) on Sunday sought the help of the NPC regarding the reported duplication of accounts of some UP students and alumni over the weekend.

The OSR said it has already contacted the UP System Data Protection Office regarding the matter but noted that no unusual activity or breach has been detected on the databases of the university.

As of press time, NPC said only San Beda has reported breach of personal information of its students.

The DLSU also urged its members to be vigilant in line with the creation of empty or fake FB accounts.

“Postings from these accounts are unauthorized and do not reflect the views and position of the institution,” said DLSU in a statement.