It reported awhile back in this site that an online dating service and social networking service marketed to people who are already in a relationship is now in the Philippines.
After a soft launch, the country’s justice secretary said that she is seeking to block extramarital dating site Ashley Madison in the country because it allegedly facilitates crime – adultery.
"The website is a platform that allows illegal acts to be eventually committed. A ban may be enforced," Secretary Leila de Lima said in an SMS statement to the press, referring to Ashley Madison.
The Canada-based firm, which has the slogan: "Life is short. Have an affair", recently launched their website in the Philippines, where the population is largely dominated by Roman Catholic beliefs and divorce is illegal.
De Lima stressed that "adultery" also remains against the law in the Philippines, even though it has largely been un-enforced and is a country where many powerful men flaunt their mistresses. Adultery and "concubinage," are punishable by at least six months in jail under Philippine law.
However, the move begs a question. Why is the government so determined to pursue the ban against a site when the same kind of theme (infidelity) is being promoted by several television programs? Is it because ‘teleserye’ production helps bring in money to the government coffers, while an online company based in Canada bring less than that?
Also, the government may be trying to implement a ban, but are they really technically equipped and capable to ‘walk the talk’ or give the responsibility to private telecommunications company? Would this company be willing to follow De Lima’s lead or will they settle for compromise deal with the site owners?
Local press reports say that at least 2,500 Filipinos have already signed up to the website since its recent launch. If the government plans to ban these people from accessing the site, are they ready to face a legal battle that could result to a temporary restraining order in favour of Ashley Madison?
Maybe we'll learn soon enough.
After a soft launch, the country’s justice secretary said that she is seeking to block extramarital dating site Ashley Madison in the country because it allegedly facilitates crime – adultery.
"The website is a platform that allows illegal acts to be eventually committed. A ban may be enforced," Secretary Leila de Lima said in an SMS statement to the press, referring to Ashley Madison.
The Canada-based firm, which has the slogan: "Life is short. Have an affair", recently launched their website in the Philippines, where the population is largely dominated by Roman Catholic beliefs and divorce is illegal.
De Lima stressed that "adultery" also remains against the law in the Philippines, even though it has largely been un-enforced and is a country where many powerful men flaunt their mistresses. Adultery and "concubinage," are punishable by at least six months in jail under Philippine law.
However, the move begs a question. Why is the government so determined to pursue the ban against a site when the same kind of theme (infidelity) is being promoted by several television programs? Is it because ‘teleserye’ production helps bring in money to the government coffers, while an online company based in Canada bring less than that?
Also, the government may be trying to implement a ban, but are they really technically equipped and capable to ‘walk the talk’ or give the responsibility to private telecommunications company? Would this company be willing to follow De Lima’s lead or will they settle for compromise deal with the site owners?
Local press reports say that at least 2,500 Filipinos have already signed up to the website since its recent launch. If the government plans to ban these people from accessing the site, are they ready to face a legal battle that could result to a temporary restraining order in favour of Ashley Madison?
Maybe we'll learn soon enough.
No comments:
Post a Comment