Illegal software use in government offices banned

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

December 27, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has prohibited public agencies from using unlicensed versions of software that could lead to legal disputes and expose them to cyber threats and malware.

DICT has ordered government agencies to use only licensed software to guarantee technical support in times of emergency and scale up operational efficiency.

The order requires government entities to include in their information systems strategic plans (ISSP) the acquisition of licensed software.

The ISSP is a document that outlines how government bodies intend to move forward with their upgrade of information and communications technology (ICT) systems. It is also used as a basis in determining ICT allocation in the national budget.

On top of this, the order tasks the ICT unit of each agency to ensure that all devices being used are appropriated with licensed software. Employees are also asked to request approval from their ICT departments before downloading any application in work devices.

Likewise, it bars government agencies from lending their licensed software to any third party, noting that this is a breach of contract with developers.

It also demands ICT units to destroy, whether by deletion or uninstallation, any and all unlicensed software if they don’t plan on getting a legal one.

DICT reminded state agencies that the use of unlicensed software breaks several laws in the country, such as Republic Act 8293 or the Intellectual Property (IP) Code of the Philippines, and RA 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Government heads and employees were also warned that they could face administrative and legal charges if they are found guilty of such violations. DICT said the use of unlicensed software could also hurt the country’s reputation to the tech community.

DICT issued the circular to protect the government from possible IP lawsuits and penalties from developers. The agency said that facing IP charges from innovators could result in financial liabilities and undermine public trust.

As known in the tech community, the use of unlicensed software lacks the necessary patches for security protocols, thus exposing the user to cyber threats, such as malware.

In turn, DICT flagged the use of unlicensed software as a risk that may compromise sensitive data held by the government, which, in the process, will taint the integrity of public services.