Foundation for Media Alternatives

31/07/2026

📢 NEW PUBLICATION | Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence and Women Human Rights Defenders

Technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) is more than online abuse—it is increasingly being used to intimidate, discredit, surveil, and silence women human rights defenders (WHRDs).

Our new report looks into the **lived experiences of Filipino WHRDs as they navigate digital spaces in the course of their work**, documenting the different and overlapping forms of TFGBV they face—from online harassment, threats, doxxing, surveillance, and hacking to gendered disinformation, deepfakes, image-based abuse, and red-tagging.

The report highlights how these attacks can extend beyond the digital sphere, affecting the safety, well-being, families, organizations, and communities of WHRDs, while shrinking civic space and undermining meaningful participation in public discourse.

Key findings include:
• Gendered attacks remain the most pervasive form of TFGBV against WHRDs
• Gendered disinformation increasingly targets women leaders and activists
• Red-tagging can escalate online attacks into real-world risks
• TFGBV often involves multiple, interconnected forms of harm
• Intersectional identities can compound vulnerability and barriers to support
• Significant gaps remain in institutional protection, resources, accountability, and access to justice
• Collective, feminist, survivor-centered, and trauma-informed responses are essential

The project, entitled “Strengthening Protection of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) through the Development of a Toolkit on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV),” is part of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) project of the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines.

This report will inform the development of a TFGBV toolkit for WHRDs, consolidating available resources, reporting mechanisms, and multi-response strategies to help WHRDs, their organizations, and communities proactively respond to technology-facilitated violence—especially when online threats escalate into real-world danger.

Read the report and learn more about TFGBV, its impact on WHRDs, and what we can do to strengthen protection, accountability, and collective care.
https://fma.ph/how-technology-facilitated-gender-based-violence-impacts-women-human-rights-defenders-in-the-philippines/

New Report Highlights Risks of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Against WHRDsWomen human rights defenders (WHRDs) in the Philippines face increasing risks of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), with online attacks often extending into real-world threats and harm. Read m...

31/07/2026

July’s digital rights landscape highlighted both progress and persistent challenges. From stronger protections against online gender-based violence and child exploitation to debates on data governance, Pax Silica, disinformation, and digital safety, we once again underscore the urgent need to uphold privacy, accountability, and human rights in an increasingly digital Philippines.

This is July 2026’s Digital Rights Round-up 📱

Access the full report on our website: https://fma.ph/digital-rights-round-up-july-1-to-31-2026/.

24/07/2026

We are honored to be part of the Miriam College – Women and Gender Institute (MC-WAGI) Mid-Year Training Institute and contribute to the Gender, Sexuality, and Student/Youth Well-being (GSSYW) training.

Our sincere thanks to Miriam College - Women and Gender Institute - WAGI for the opportunity to facilitate Staying Safe While Staying True: Online Safety and Security for Gender, Sexuality, and Student Youth Well-being. It was inspiring to engage with educators, guidance counselors, social workers, and youth advocates who are committed to creating safer, more inclusive, and more empowering spaces for young people.

The thoughtful discussions, shared experiences, and collective commitment to youth well-being remind us that digital safety is not only about managing risks but also about protecting rights, fostering inclusion, and ensuring that every young person can participate online with confidence and dignity.

Thank you to everyone who shared their insights and made the session meaningful. Looking forward to continuing these important conversations and collaborations.

16/07/2026

Technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) is rising in the Philippines and it does not just stay online. It spills into real life. In homes. In workplaces. In schools.

Since 2012, the Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) has documented over 800 TFGBV cases nationwide. 84% of women aged 30 and below have experienced online violence.

This has to stop.

But here is the good news: we have laws that protect us, and there are concrete steps we can all take to stay safe online. Swipe for expert quotes, legal know-how, and resources every Filipino should know about.

Save this post. Share it with a friend, a sister, a colleague. Awareness is the first line of defense.

Building safer digital spaces starts with knowing our rights — and looking out for each other.

16/07/2026

IN PHOTOS: FMA Executive Director Liza Garcia served as a speaker on the second day of Miriam College - Women and Gender Institute’s Midyear Training Institute 2026: International Women’s Human Rights and Governance. She discussed Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence in the session entitled “Intersectionality and Multiple Discriminations.”

Together, let’s continue advancing technology and digital spaces that are safe, inclusive, and free from gender-based violence by learning, speaking out, and taking action! 💻✨

15/07/2026

Progress begins with policies that respond to pressing issues in a community. The recognition of House Bills that advocate the importance of Gender, Democracy, and Privacy are essential in safeguarding human rights both in the digital, and real world. In addition, understanding the legislative process is just as important as knowing these issues. By learning how a bill is introduced, debated, amended, and enacted into law, we as citizens, become more informed and are able to meaningfully engage in public discourse, advocate for policies that matter, and hold accountable the institutions that govern us.

DISCLAIMER: This post was created by EJ Arugay, JB San Miguel, and John Pinon for educational purposes. They are students from Ateneo de Manila University currently completing their internship in the Foundation for Media Alternatives.

14/07/2026

SILENT SIGNALS EPISODE 5

Episode 5 once again reminds us of the importance of recognizing danger and responding safely. This time, it introduces the Distress Hand Signal—a discreet hand gesture that allows victims to silently ask for help when they are unable to speak, are in shock, or are being closely monitored by an abuser. Recognizing this signal can make a life-saving difference by allowing bystanders to respond appropriately and seek assistance without alerting the aggressor.

Through this episode, we hope to raise awareness about the Distress Hand Signal and encourage individuals to recognize it and respond safely. By knowing what this silent call for help means, we can all play a role in supporting victims and helping them access the assistance they need.

As the final episode of Silent Signals, we sincerely hope this series has helped raise awareness about the realities of violence against women and the importance of recognizing signs of danger. We also hope it has encouraged everyone to respond safely, support those in need, and understand that even small actions—such as recognizing a silent call for help or contacting the proper authorities—can make a meaningful difference.

Help is always available through 911 Emergency Services, the nearest Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD), or other local support services.

Remember, everyone has the right to move safely in public spaces. If someone ignores your boundaries or makes you feel unsafe, seek help from trusted people or authorities. Bystanders can make a difference.

Thank you for joining us on this journey toward creating safer and more informed communities.

Link to Episode 4: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1G3uzYUZyh/

DISCLAIMER: This webcomic series is an initiative and created by Aliya Nograles & Naine Oralde. They are students from Southville International School and Colleges.

13/07/2026

SILENT SIGNALS EPISODE 4

Episode 4 highlights the importance of recognizing signs of danger, responding safely, and avoiding actions that may further provoke the aggressor. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, 1 in 4 (26%) ever-married Filipino women aged 15–49 have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence by their husband or partner. By recognizing the warning signs and knowing how to respond, we can help prevent situations from escalating and support those experiencing abuse.

Through this episode, we hope to raise awareness about domestic violence between intimate partners and encourage safe ways of seeking and offering help.

Help is always available through 911 Emergency Services, the nearest Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD), or other local support services.

Link to Episode 3: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1JJ7MXvVMa/

DISCLAIMER: This webcomic series is an initiative and created by Aliya Nograles & Naine Oralde. They are students from Southville International School and Colleges.

10/07/2026

IN PHOTOS: FMA’s Gender Program Officer, Ms. Thina Lopez, gave a talk entitled: “Bridging the Gap: AI, Communications, and Gender Equity in Education” in the Mid-Year Training Institute: Internation Women Human Rights Course.

“The conversation pushed us to think critically about how emerging technologies can either reinforce or disrupt gender inequalities—and what it means to communicate with intentionality in the digital age.”

Check out the post here:

07/07/2026

Online gaming has become one of the world's largest and most influential industries, making digital privacy an increasingly urgent concern as games collect vast amounts of personal and behavioral data from players. The article argues that two major threats define this issue: anti-consumer business practices and toxic online communities. Game companies often use telemetry data and lengthy End User License Agreements (EULAs) to normalize extensive data collection and enable aggressive monetization through microtransactions, while hackers and toxic actors exploit gaming platforms through scams, harassment, ransomware, and DDoS attacks that can compromise users' accounts, payment information, and personal data.

Because these problems are deeply embedded in the industry's structure, the author contends that individual cybersecurity measures alone are insufficient. Instead, lasting change requires collective advocacy for stronger consumer protections, ethical data privacy standards, and digital ownership rights.

Read the full article on our website: https://fma.ph/a-gamers-take-on-privacy-in-online-gaming/

DISCLAIMER: This article was written by JB San Miguel, a student from Ateneo de Manila University who is currently an intern in FMA.