Usapang Diskarte was a YouTube channel known for hosting content allegedly promoting sexual abuse and grooming of minors.[1]
Type of site | YouTube channel / Facebook page |
|---|---|
| Available in | Filipino |
| Country of origin | Philippines |
| Users | 252,000 subscribers (YouTube) |
| Current status | Closed (since July 15, 2022) |
Channel
editUsapang Diskarte had at least 252,000 subscribers prior to its shutdown in July 2022.[2] It uploaded roughly 1,000 videos and operated for years.[3]
The Philippine National Police alleged the channel was "connected to a group of sexual predators who equates ‘macho’ with being abusive." The PNP described the channel's contents to include "tips on how to lure a minor to have sex with an older man" where minors are "conditioned into thinking that having sex with an older man is normal".[4]
The administrator of Usapang Diskarte was unknown.
Response
editShut down
editThe YouTube channel was shut down by Google on July 14, 2022. Likewise, Meta did the same for Usapang Diskarte's page on Facebook.[5][6]
Investigation
editThe Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) disclosed that the channel's activities has been under surveillance since March 2022.[5] In July 2022,[4] the law enforcement's efforts was disrupted when the channel was shut down after its videos went viral.[5]
Google and Meta were ordered by court to disclose computer data related to Usapang Diskarte to aid the investigations; orders which were complied by the two companies.[4]
Law reform
editSenator Risa Hontiveros condemned the YouTube channel for its content and cited its exposure as one of the reasons why her bill, the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) Act which strengthens the current anti-child porn law, must be approved into law.[7]
References
edit- ^ Malasig, Jeline (July 13, 2022). "Calls to report Pinoy YouTube user for alleged child grooming mount online". Interaksyon. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
- ^ "PNP serves warrant to ask for data of YouTuber encouraging child sex abuse". Rappler. August 30, 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
- ^ Suralta, Bryle (July 18, 2022). "How Usapang Diskarte Empowered a Network of Filipino Sexual Predators". Esquire. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
- ^ a b c "Court orders Facebook, YouTube to preserve data on 'Usapang Diskarte' viral for online pedophilia". The Philippine Star. August 30, 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
- ^ a b c "Anti-Cybercrime Group probe hits snag after YouTube channel goes viral". GMA News. July 15, 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
- ^ Casilao, Joahna Lei (August 30, 2022). "Warrants out for Usapang Diskarte data, says PNP". GMA News. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
- ^ Villaruel, Jauhn Etienne (July 14, 2022). "'Horrifying': Hontiveros exposes YouTube channel grooming children for sex". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved May 30, 2023.