Senator Calls for Dark Web Monitoring Investment
In a recent hearing, officials reported that Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian urged the government to prioritize funding for dark web monitoring in response to the ongoing spread of online pornography and illegal content. He proposed reallocating some of the 2026 flood control budget to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) to strengthen efforts against these digital threats.
During the Senate panel on women’s session, Gatchalian questioned if the government is adequately investing to keep pace with the dark web’s evolving landscape, especially as artificial intelligence fuels the rise of deep fake pornography. The senator’s call for enhanced dark web monitoring highlights growing concerns about the anonymity and illicit activities thriving in this hidden corner of the internet.
Understanding the Dark Web and Its Risks
Community members explained that the dark web is a concealed and unindexed segment of the internet accessible only through specialized software. Experts have identified it as a hotspot for illegal trade, including online pornography and other unlawful materials.
“The dark web is designed to be anonymous. It is a haven for these criminal actors in order to transact — and yes, there is a need to monitor the dark web whether it’s for [Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children] purposes, for illegal gambling and other online harms,” said CICC Assistant Secretary Renato Paraiso.
Paraiso added that while the CICC has personnel skilled in navigating the dark web, continuous 24/7 monitoring has not been proposed due to budget limitations. This financial constraint hinders the agency’s ability to fully address the threats originating from this secretive network.
Budget Reallocation Proposal Amid Controversy
In a candid moment, Gatchalian joked, “[It’s] budget season now, we can pinch a little bit from flood control and give it to you to protect our children.” This remark comes amid controversy surrounding the flood control budget, which has faced allegations of corruption and anomalies.
Nevertheless, the senator stressed the critical importance of investing in protective measures for children against online exploitation. “The dark web avenue is really something that ordinary people have access to – that’s what I’ve read. If we do not focus our attention there, we might be focusing our attention with these legitimate platforms, but [on] the other side, it’s continuously supplying our constituents with online pornography and or illegal materials,” Gatchalian remarked.
Costs and Next Steps for Dark Web Monitoring
Officials reported that the estimated cost for effective dark web monitoring ranges between approximately P2 million to P150 million annually, depending on subscription and technology needs. Paraiso highlighted the financial challenge but emphasized the necessity of such investment to combat online harms.
Addressing the Senate panel chair, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, Gatchalian recommended that this proposal be thoroughly discussed during the agency’s budget hearings. “Because we also need to have — [the] government should have the technology and capability to go into the dark web,” he noted.
Hontiveros responded by suggesting a review of the Philippine National Police’s three-year procurement plan during budget debates, aiming to incorporate equipment acquisitions that can counter AI misuse and other cybercrimes.
For more news and updates on online pornography and dark web monitoring, visit Filipinokami.com.
