In response to recent news stories regarding cybersecurity issues, including gaming addiction and dangerous games geared towards young people, Aangat Tayo partylist Rep. Neil Abayon said he plans on convening various experts to discuss ways of addressing potential threats.

“Evil is running rampant in cyberspace,” the partylist congressman said in a press release. “Among the worst are the games and groups that promote suicide, bullying, human trafficking, and illegal investment schemes.”

He also suggested updates to RA 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, and RA 10627, the Anti-Bullying Act.

“Suicide games and bullying on social media are not among the prohibited acts and punishable offenses,” Abayon pointed out. “Government is virtually powerless against these cyberspace threats because of these gaps in our laws.”

The congressman said, by inviting various experts, they will be able to craft an appropriate bill.

“We want to do this the right way,” he said. “Among the people we will invite are game developers, child and youth welfare advocates, education agencies, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and officials of Facebook and Google.”

One of the online threats currently circulating is called the “Momo Challenge,” where a creepy character targets young children and encourages them to engage in dangerous activities, including committing suicide.

However, according to a piece on Yahoo News, Northumbria University cyberpsychologist, Dr. Dawn Branley-Bell, is quoted as saying the entire thing is an urban legend or an online hoax.

“This is the latest ‘hot topic,’ which is spreading like wildfire due to its sensationalist nature and is causing a lot of parents to be unnecessarily worried,” she said./WDJ