Why this happens

Most video calling apps do not notify participants when the other party screen records. FaceTime, Zoom, Google Meet, and Snapchat all permit silent recording.

Screen recording of intimate calls is frequently used as a control tactic by partners or as a prelude to sextortion. The recording itself may have occurred months before the distribution.

Legal framework in Philippines

Republic Act No. 9995, Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009. Imprisonment from 3 to 7 years and fine from PHP 100,000 to 500,000.

The Philippines was an early adopter with RA 9995 in 2009 covering capture, copying, sale, distribution, publication, and broadcast of intimate visual content without consent. The Data Privacy Act provides parallel civil rights to erasure or blocking.

Evidence to preserve

Do not: Do not delete the call history or block the perpetrator's number before evidence is preserved. The call records establish the underlying recording event.

Five step removal process

  1. 1

    Preserve all evidence first

    The full call history showing the date, time, and other participant of every relevant call. Full page screenshot of every URL where the recording appears.

  2. 2

    File the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009 (RA 9995) criminal complaint

    Report to local police or the national cybercrime unit. PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group can assist.

  3. 3

    Submit an erasure request under Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173) right to erasure or blocking under section 16

    Each major platform has a designated data protection contact. The request must cite the legal basis and identify the URLs. The platform has 30 days to respond. NPC accepts complaints for non compliance.

  4. 4

    Run a biometric scan to find every additional copy

    Content posted to one platform is rarely confined to one platform. ScanErase identifies every current hosting location in a single scan, including mirror copies and AI generated variants.

  5. 5

    File TAKE IT DOWN Act notices for covered platforms

    Use your scan report to file the federal 48 hour notice yourself, in parallel with your domestic rights. The two regimes are cumulative, not exclusive.

Statutory citations to include in your complaint

Frequently asked questions

Is screen recorded call a crime in Philippines?

Yes. Republic Act No. 9995, Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009 criminalises this conduct. Imprisonment from 3 to 7 years and fine from PHP 100,000 to 500,000.

What evidence should a Philippines victim of screen recorded call preserve?

The full call history showing the date, time, and other participant of every relevant call. Full page screenshot of every URL where the recording appears. Any messages from the other participant before, during, or after the call. The application used for the call, which determines what server side records may be available.

Does Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173) right to erasure or blocking under section 16 apply to this scenario?

Yes. Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173) right to erasure or blocking under section 16 gives the victim a direct erasure right against any platform processing the imagery. NPC enforces non compliance.

What support is available in Philippines for screen recorded call?

PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group provides direct support to victims and can assist with both the criminal complaint and the platform removal process. Contact at https://acg.pnp.gov.ph.

Can a Philippines victim also file a US TAKE IT DOWN Act notice?

Yes when the hosting platform is subject to US jurisdiction. The 48 hour federal removal obligation runs in parallel with rights under Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009 (RA 9995) and Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173) right to erasure or blocking under section 16.

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