At AckerWorx, our mission has always been clear: to develop cutting-edge cybersecurity tools and services that empower organizations and institutions to maintain the highest levels of security and operational efficiency. As a company that operates in the UK, Europe, and the USA, we pride ourselves on adhering to rigorous ethical standards, compliance requirements, and a commitment to fostering trust in all our partnerships. However, despite our global reach and technological expertise, we have made a conscious decision not to provide tools and software services to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in the Philippines. Here’s why.
Commitment to Ethical Use of Technology
One of AckerWorx’s guiding principles is ensuring that our tools and technologies are used responsibly and ethically. This commitment extends to working with partners who have transparent and accountable systems in place to prevent misuse. While the NBI has made notable advancements in combating cybercrime, concerns regarding transparency, accountability, and human rights have been raised in some of its operations. Without clear assurances that our tools would be used exclusively for legitimate and lawful purposes, we cannot risk potential misuse or reputational harm to AckerWorx.
Alignment with International Standards
AckerWorx complies with strict international standards, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and similar frameworks in other regions. We require our partners to demonstrate alignment with these standards to ensure that data privacy and security remain paramount. While the Philippines has its own Data Privacy Act, implementation and enforcement are still developing. This creates uncertainty about whether tools provided to the NBI would meet the stringent safeguards our company upholds.
Resource and Training Requirements
Providing advanced cybersecurity tools is only part of the solution. Ensuring their effectiveness requires significant training, infrastructure, and operational readiness. Our assessment indicates that the NBI, while resourceful, may face challenges in maximizing the potential of AckerWorx’s solutions due to infrastructure limitations and staffing constraints. Collaborating without addressing these gaps could result in suboptimal outcomes, which would reflect poorly on both parties.
Focus on Law Enforcement Partnerships in Other Regions
AckerWorx has established strong relationships with law enforcement agencies in the UK, USA, and Europe, where clear frameworks exist for collaboration. These partnerships involve not only the provision of tools but also joint efforts in training, research, and development. Expanding our reach to agencies that may not yet have the same level of institutional readiness or alignment with our standards could dilute our focus and strain our resources.
Avoiding Geopolitical Risks
The geopolitical landscape in the Philippines presents additional risks. Concerns about governance, corruption, and fluctuating policies could jeopardize long-term collaborations. For a company like AckerWorx, which prioritizes stability and reliability in its partnerships, these uncertainties are a significant deterrent.
Encouraging Capacity Building Instead
While we have chosen not to provide direct tools and services to the NBI, AckerWorx is open to supporting capacity-building initiatives in the Philippines. By collaborating with international organizations, NGOs, and academic institutions, we can contribute to strengthening the country’s cybersecurity landscape in a way that aligns with our values and priorities.
Investing in Transparency and Ethical Practices
AckerWorx believes that any partnership must be built on mutual trust and accountability. For the NBI to become a potential partner in the future, it would require demonstrating measurable improvements in:
- Operational transparency to ensure tools are used appropriately.
- Stronger safeguards to protect human rights during cybercrime investigations.
- Compliance with globally recognized standards for data privacy and ethical use of technology.
By meeting these criteria, the NBI could establish itself as a trusted partner, paving the way for collaborations that align with AckerWorx’s mission and values.
The Way Forward
Our decision not to engage with the NBI is not a reflection on the importance of their work but rather a commitment to upholding the standards that define AckerWorx. We believe that by focusing our efforts on regions and institutions that align closely with our values, we can continue to deliver impactful, ethical, and innovative cybersecurity solutions.
We remain hopeful that as the Philippines’ cybersecurity infrastructure evolves, opportunities for collaboration may emerge in the future under conditions that satisfy our stringent requirements for transparency, accountability, and ethical use.
