The agency said that cybercrime is increasingly resorting to more sophisticated mechanisms, such as the use of manipulated images and artificial intelligence tools.
SANTO DOMINGO.- The Board of Directors of the Dominican Institute of Telecommunications (Indotel) reported that, starting this year 2026, the institution will implement, together with other State entities, a national strategy aimed at confronting blackmail, digital extortion and the dissemination of fake news in digital media and social networks.
The regulatory body explained that this strategy will focus on educating and raising awareness among citizens, as well as strengthening and updating the legal framework, so that it contributes firmly, in a coordinated and effective , to combating digital crimes in the Dominican Republic.
The institution stated that these measures arise in a context of worrying growth in illicit practices that affect the security, reputation andfundamental rights of individuals and institutions.
He emphasized that knowledge of the law, awareness, and education are essential tools to protect the nation from this scourge, and that creating strategic alliances with key institutions will be crucial to pursuing and eradicating digital extortion.
Indotel indicated that the Department of Investigation of High Technology Crimes and Offenses (Dicat) , the National Police and the Public Prosecutor's Office , among other state entities, will actively participate in this campaign
He emphasized the need to confront with rigor and determination what he called the "extortion business," noting that cybercrime is increasingly resorting to more sophisticated mechanisms, such as the use of manipulated images and artificial intelligence tools.
He said that, for this reason, inter-institutional initiatives and efforts will be promoted to confront this harmful and illegal practice in a sustained, coordinated and effective manner
In that same vein, it was reported that efforts will be focused on forming a solid inter-institutional alliance , which will definitively stop any attempt to entrench these illicit activities within the country's digital ecosystem
The campaign arises from concerns that the Dominican Republic registered the highest number of victims of digital fraud in the Americas during the second half of 2024, a situation that, according to Indotel, demands a strong and responsible response from the State.
