Lesson 8: Legal, Ethical, and Societal Issues in Media and

Information Literacy
CYBERCRIME PREVENTION ACT OF 2012 (Republic Act No. 10175) – The cybercrime law covers all other
online anomalies such as identity theft, child pornography, data misuse, cybersquatting, and other computer-related and
Internet-facilitated-practices. This law became controversial in 2012 and 2013 since it also criminalizes libel in the online
world, limiting certain exercises of freedom of expression.

1. Plagiarism - an act or instance of using or closely imitating the language and thoughts of another author without
authorization; the representation of that author's work as one's own, as by not crediting the original author.

2. Copyright - a legal device that gives the creator of a literary, artistic, musical, or other creative work the sole
right to publish and sell that work. Copyright owners have the right to control the reproduction of their work,
including the right to receive payment for that reproduction. An author may grant or sell those rights to others,
including publishers or recording companies.
 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES (Republic Act No. 8293) – Philippine
copyright law protects patents, trademarks and other forms of intellectual property. The Optical Media
Act also protects copyrights or covers media industries or media products such as music, movies,
computer programs and video games.
 Violation of a copyright is called infringement.

3. Cyber bullying - bullying that takes place online, or using electronic technology such as cell phones, computers,
and tablets over communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites. Examples of
cyber bullying: text messages or emails composed to insult or demean; rumors or false statements spread by email
or posted on social networking sites; and humiliating photos, videos, websites, or fake profiles deliberately shared
across social media.
 THE ANTI-BULLYING ACT OF 2013 (Republic Act No. 10627) – This law finds applicability in
school-related bullying, student-student in particular, which covers those uttered in social media.

4. Computer addiction - the excessive use of computers to the extent that it interferes with daily life. This
excessive use may for example interfere with work or sleep, result in problems with social interaction, or affect
mood, relationships, and thought processes.

5. Digital divide refers to an economic inequality between groups in terms of access to, use of, or knowledge of
ICT. The divide within countries (such as the digital divide in the United States) can refer to inequalities between
individuals, households, businesses, and geographic areas at different socioeconomic (and other demographic)
levels. The Global digital divide designates countries as the units of analysis and examines the divide between
developing and developed countries on an international scale.

Misinformation is when false information is shared, but no harm is meant;

Disinformation is when false information is knowingly shared to cause harm.

Laws Affecting Media and Media Usage

 ELECTRONIC COMMERCE ACT OF 2000 (Republic Act No. 8792) - The E-commerce Law protects mostly
financial and commercial transactions online. However, it also covers hacking and illegal downloading of
copyrighted materials.

 OPTICAL MEDIA ACT OF 2003 (Republic Act No. 9239) – The law ensures the protection of specific media
products subjected to illegal duplication or piracy.

 ANTI-CAMCORDING LAW (Republic Act No. 10088) - This law aims to prevent the illegal video camera
recording of movies currently shown in theaters, as evident in the awareness campaigns they play before each
movie in the country.

 DATA PRIVACY ACT OF 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173) – This law concerns 21st Century issues regarding
privacy of communication and information. This act covers how we as citizens could or could not use other
people’s information (even from social media sites) or present data in any form.

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Media and Information Literacy
Lesson 8: Legal, Ethical, and Societal Issues in Media and
Information Literacy
PROPER NETIQUETTE (Internet Etiquette)
1. Introduce yourself properly. When e-mailing people, sending SMS for the first time, or messaging them
through mobile applications, make sure that you introduce yourself properly, state your intention of contacting the
person and use kind words.

2. Be patient. Do not demand for an instant reply. People may not be connected online all the time. Be patient and
wait for their reply in due time.

3. Acknowledge and reply. When someone sends you an e-mail or a text message and you cannot immediately
reply back, send them a quick note to acknowledge their effort and say that you have received their message, but
will have to reply a later time. Never leave anyone in the “seen zone”.

4. Answer or engage courteously. If you are engaging in a social media post/thread, be courteous and respectful
when commenting. Do not flame or troll them with unkind words. Learn to take criticisms graciously.

5. Do not over-share personal stuff. Make sure you are not sharing information that should remain private, for
your own safety and security.

6. Be careful in posting incriminating photos or videos of yourself online. Remember that once you post it on the
Internet, it does not go away instantly, even if you delete it. For example, a video you posted while teasing a
person with disability or an LGBT person back in Grade 9 or 10 might become a basis for you not to get hired in
the future. Potential employers sometimes check if you have an “Internet presence” and Google you. Be careful
what you post online.

Media is a multilayered entity

which combines the arts, technology
and commerce. Its two pronged
objectives – to present information and
to present entertainment – brings with it
several issues and concerns that may
affect citizens of a given culture.

References:
 Cantor, Olivia Linsangan. Media and information Literacy. Quezon City: Vibal Group Inc., 2016.
 Pitagan, F., Andres, V. P., Rotor, C., Vilbar, A., Villanueva, C. (2016). Media and Information Literacy-Teaching
Guide. Diliman, Quezon City: Commission on Higher Education. Retrieved from e-mail: k12@ched.gov.ph

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