The Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012: Reflection Paper

A few weeks ago, the awkward was ball over due to the sudden implementation of RA 1015 or the Cybercrime Pr purgetion Act of 2012. I seldom suss out the news solely I found out virtually the righteousness after my mom warned me to be cargonful of what I post online. I was surprised because my mom has never told me that onward. I figured it wasnt much of a big deal so I shrugged off my moms warning. However, as the news about the bill began to spread, a lot of slew started to express their opposition to the newly-implemented law. I began to discover that this act was actually a really big deal.I was astounded after reading some explanations as to why the bill shouldnt be implemented. Why would the government pass a law that hampers state? How come only one senator noticed the flaws and loopholes of the bill? I saw a post as to why Senator TG Guingona opposed the said law. First of all, the provisions in the law are vague and unclear. closely anyone can be liable and be charg ed with crime. Second, the punishment is too grave and unfair. A 12-year metre? Thats too much. Third, its oppressive. You can be charged with two counts of libel, one under the revise Penal Code and the second under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.As a student, this law gravely affects me. We all have a go at it that many adolescents are very active on the net profit. Im an active netizen as wellhead and because some of the provisions on the law are vague and unclear, I could be charged with crime, even if I just retweet, like or share posts containing criticisms. Second, isnt a basic human upright to be able to express ones self freely? The Philippines is a democratic country and this law simply curtails freedom of expression. However, the Cybercrime Prevention Act is not all that bad. Its actually beneficial that we finally have a law that aims to prevent cyber crime in the country.After several cases of unsolved internet crimes (resulting to online criminals not being penali zed for their crimes), its about time that we have a law for this issue. Its objective is to shelter netizens from becoming victims of online crimes but because of certain provisions, the bill becomes an obstacle for freedom of speech. Another good thing about the bill is the establishment of a Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center. It will enable qualified officials to go after people who commit online crimes and file a case against them. The opposing views of the act are those against it and those who are in party favor of the bill.There are also those who believe that we need this law but dont agree on certain provisions stated in the law. Yes, we do need a Cybercrime Prevention honor but the problem with this bill is that it lacks or is obscure in certain areas. Its not perfect and it unavoidably to be improved. It may even be subject to misunderstanding and abuse due to the vagueness of the provisions. If I had the effect to reconcile these opposing views, I woul d first hear out everyones perspective regarding this bill. This would allow me to receipt what necessary changes should be made to the law.The bottom line is, the bill needs to be revised. A law has to be clear and specific before it is passed and implemented. The only way to fix this issue is to improve and buzz off the law better. Certain areas need to be changed and the changes to be made must be acceptable for all, specially the citizens. We cannot deny that the internet has had a huge impact on our daily lives. It is a symbol of manhoods advancement and development. It is a vast source of data and information. It has allowed people to communicate with individuals who are removed away from them.It empowers people because it is an outlet and platform for us to speak our minds and express our opinions. In more slipway than one, it has improved our lives and made it easier. Although it is a valuable research and learning tool, we also cannot contradict that there are individ uals who exploit the freedom they have on the internet. There is a need for a Cybercrime Prevention Law because the internet can also be used to commit crimes. However, individuals should also practice being trusty of what they say and do online. Like what my professor said, its a matter of personal responsibility. Think before you post.