#TalkThursday: On the constitutional Cybercrime law

MANILA, Philippines – Rappler talks to top technology law expert JJ Disini and lawyer Chris Lao, a cyber bullying victim.

On February 18, Tuesday, the Supreme Court (SC) declared most provisions of the Cybercrime law constitutional. Under the recent ruling, online libel is legal (covering only the original author of the material), while the following are struck down as unconstitutional:

• Section 4 (c)(3) which pertains to unsolicited commercial communications
• Section 12 which pertains to real-time collection of traffic data
• Section 19 the takedown clause which pertains to restricting or blocking access to computer data

The decision comes a year after the High Court took up the petitions against the controversial law. (WATCH: Cybercrime law constitutional – SC)

Disini is one of the lawyers who petitioned against the Cybercrime law in the SC in January of 2013. He also helped lobby for the eCommerce Act, drafting its Implementing Rules and Regulations under the supervision of the Department of Trade & Industry, Department of Budget and Management of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Disini will share his thoughts on the SC’s decision and its impact on cyberspace. (WATCH: The Cybercrime law in 2014)

Lao is a lawyer who gained Internet fame in 2011 for getting his car submerged in flood waters in Quezon City. Video taken by a TV crew went viral as Lao came under severe criticism for the way he reacted to the predicament. He will also share his views on the SC decision as a lawyer and former cyberbullying victim. (WATCH: The consequence of cyberbullying by Chris Lao)

Watch the interview below.

– Rappler.com