The National Privacy Commission (NPC) issued a reminder to parents on Thursday to exercise caution when joining online contests that require them to upload photos of their children.
Although these activities may appear harmless, the NPC emphasized that such images could be misused for exploitative purposes, including online sexual abuse.
“Have you come across posts asking parents to comment with their baby’s picture in exchange for prizes or cash?” the NPC said in an advisory. “They may look innocent, but they pose serious risks.”
The commission warned that posting baby photos online may inadvertently reveal sensitive details that can be exploited for criminal activity.
“Don’t allow your child to fall prey to digital threats. Always think before you share,” the NPC added. “Let’s safeguard their privacy and protect their future in the digital world.”
A 2022 study by the International Justice Mission Philippines and the University of Nottingham revealed that approximately 500,000 Filipino children had experienced online sexual abuse and exploitation.
Experts in cybersecurity have also raised concerns over the capabilities of some AI-powered applications, which can now digitally remove clothing from photos, further raising the risks of image misuse.
