The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is taking measures to safeguard consumers by overseeing various online applications, including delivery apps, payment platforms, and e-commerce platforms like Lazada and Shopee.
This proactive approach also extends to government apps to ensure their efficiency.
To accomplish this, the DICT has introduced the Consumer Application Monitoring Systems (CAMS) platform, an initiative spearheaded by the DICT’s Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC).
The CAMS platform was officially launched on September 13 at the National Cybercrime Hub in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.
In a statement, DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy emphasized that the CAMS platform represents a valuable opportunity for collaboration between the private sector and the government.
He remarked, “This tool will be instrumental in assessing the performance of government applications. Often, connectivity issues are wrongly attributed to poor online services when, in reality, the problems lie within the applications themselves.”
Alexander Ramos, the Executive Director of the CICC, highlighted that the CAMS platform serves as an educational tool rather than a punitive measure.
He stated, “It’s not a warning, but rather a tool. Our objective is to educate the public. We want people to understand that our aim is not to criticize or endorse any particular application. We are here to ensure that the public is aware of the options available.”
The CAMS platform empowers consumers to assess the real-time performance of various applications. Likewise, private companies and government agencies can monitor the performance of their respective applications in real time, allowing them to enhance their services as needed.
Ramos assured that the CICC will regularly release monitoring results to the public. He added, “Without a doubt, all popular apps will be subject to monitoring under the CICC’s consumer protection efforts. We will continue monitoring until the public receives the quality of service they deserve.”
The consumer monitoring systems will be implemented nationwide, covering 100 city locations, including the National Cybercrime Hub. The project is a collaborative effort with Mozark Pte Ltd., a prominent digital company with offices in both Singapore and the Philippines. (ai/mnm)
