Republic Act No. 10175 is a Philippine law that defines and penalizes various forms of cybercrime, including digital fraud, identity theft, hacking, and content‑related offenses committed through or using computer systems or networks.
The purpose of the law is to protect individuals, organizations, and the public from unlawful acts carried out in the digital environment.
The law establishes punishable categories such as offenses against data and systems, including illegal access, illegal interception, data interference, and system interference. It also covers computer‑related offenses such as fraud, identity theft, and forgery, as well as content‑related offenses like cyber libel, online sexual exploitation, spam, and unsolicited commercial communications.
Any crime already penalized by the Revised Penal Code or other special laws is subject to prosecution if committed through information and communications technology (ICT).
Computer‑related fraud refers to deceptive actions conducted through a computer system or network that result in wrongful gain or loss. Examples include phishing, scam emails, fake investment schemes, and other digital deceptions designed to obtain money or sensitive information.
Computer‑related identity theft involves the unauthorized acquisition, use, or transfer of another person’s personal information via digital means without consent, for fraudulent purposes. Cyber libel is the publication of defamatory material online or through digital media.
Under RA 10175, cyber libel carries specific penalties and is treated as an offense when disseminated via computer systems or networks.
Enforcement of the law involves multiple government agencies working together to detect, investigate, and prosecute cybercrime cases. The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) coordinates cybercrime enforcement, the Philippine National Police Anti‑Cybercrime Group investigates offenses, and the Department of Justice prosecutes cases under the law.
Penalties under RA 10175 vary depending on the specific offense but may include imprisonment, fines, and enhanced sanctions when ICT tools are used.
The law increases penalties compared to equivalent traditional offenses, reflecting the use of technology in committing crimes.
RA 10175 remains highly relevant today. According to the 2026 threat landscape report by Check Point Research, the number of phishing websites targeting the Philippines rose from 731 in 2024 to 3,824 in 2025, a 423 % increase.
This trend demonstrates the continuing application of the law in addressing online scams, fraud, and other cybercrimes in the Philippines.
