I’M saying this in the wake of the lack of policy barring Philippine National Police personnel from using social media app TikTok or even vlogging. Even PNP chief General Benjie Acorda has clarified that cops are allowed to use the app privately if it does not taint the image of the organization.

“With company-issued phones, we don’t have a policy on that yet, but with regard to the private use of TikTok, our personnel are allowed to do so. As long as it’s not degrading our uniform, it will not be a problem,” the top cop said.

However, Gen. Acorda said they are also evaluating the security issue regarding the matter raised by the Armed Forces. It should be noted that last week, AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla revealed that the ban on TikTok has been in effect for their organization for more than a year since it has “listening” capabilities that can monitor activities from phones.

The AFP statement came in the heels of the military’s admission it is looking to expand its main cybersecurity unit to strengthen the defense of its networks from frequent online attacks, some coming from abroad.

The AFP has made the clarification on the matter and maintained that soldiers can still use TikTok on their personal gadgets as long as these are not connected to the military network and they do not post content that would compromise their camp’s security.

However, there’s no concern raised on AFP and PNP personnel using TikTok, Facebook or even vlogging in government time or while they are officially at work. Although I’ve seen some memorandum barring PNP personnel from using Facebook or playing computer games while at work, I have not seen similar policies on the use of Tiktok or policemen-turned vloggers.

Once, I saw on YouTube a Newly-Appointed Police Commissioned Office-vlogger doing a vlog on houses of known criminal figures in Manila while doing patrol. There are also a number of similar policemen-vloggers with tens of thousands of fans doing the same while they are at work.

Many are doing noble acts like helping strangers in distress but at the same time, they may also be earning money from Facebook and other social media sites. It’s actually a case of having a 2nd job while officially at work. The question is: are they really allowed to do this?

While the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group has time and time again reminded vloggers and content creators to be responsible in creating videos they upload on social media, is the PNP also looking on their policemen-vloggers?

While prank videos can be entertaining and amusing, some civilian creators really have gone too far which results in the production of dangerous, illegal and disturbing contents.

“We take this issue seriously and will hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Vloggers must be aware that their content can significantly impact the public and ensure that they are not putting anyone’s safety or well-being at risk,” PNP-ACG director, Major Gen. Sidney Hernia had said before.

The PNP-ACG warning came in the wake of a surge in videos of “dangerous pranks” online such as fake robberies or attacks, which have caused fear and panic in public places, disrupted public services and endangered the safety of others.

Hernia said these pranks have the potential to lead to serious injuries or even fatalities, and those involved in staging them could face criminal charges. Thus, he appealed to the public to report to the PNP any content that are harmful and dangerous.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon