K to 12 Basic Education Program
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Media and
Information Literacy
(Core Subject)
Module No. 3
“Legal, Ethical, and Societal
Issues in Media and
Information”
I- OVERVIEW
An author’s published work is a product of his effort and intellectual input. Any published
work is protected by the copyright law to secure the original author’s piece from any
plagiaristic act. In this module, we will be able to tackle about the legal, ethical, and
societal issues in media and information and also the influence and power of media.
II- LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
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Puts into practice their understanding of the intellectual property, copyright, fair use
guideline.
Demonstrates proper conduct and behavior online (netiquette, virtual self)
Puts into action their personal resolve to combat digital divide addiction and bullying.
Explains copyright, fair use, etc. vis-à-vis human rights.
Discusses current issues related to copyright vis-à-vis government/provide sectors
action.
Explains actions to promote ethical use of media and information
Enumerates opportunities and challenges in media and information.
Realizes opportunities and challenges in media and information
Researches and cites recent examples of power of media and information to affect
change.
III- PRE-TEST
Let’s Explore
Answer the questions based on the information learned or read from
other sources. Write your answers briefly but clearly.
1. How will you distinguish print media from broadcast media and new media?
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2. What makes a particular media platform appealing and useful?
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3. Why do young people prefer to use the Internet and other forms of new media
over traditional media?
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4. Who will be at risk if the power of media and information is abused and misused?
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5. Why do people abuse the power of media and information?
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6. How can we prevent the abuse and misuse of media and information?
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7. What opportunities can be gained if people use media and information properly?
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IV- LESSON PROPER:
Unlocking of Difficulties:
1. Copyright – A copyrighted material is protected by law and cannot
just be used and reproduced without permission.
2. Patent- pertains to an exclusive right granted to an invention.
3. Trademark- refers to a specific sign associated with a particular
brand of goods or services.
4. Netiquette- proper attitude that one should observe when
communication online.
5. Virtual self- pertains to one’s representation in the virtual world.
6. Libel- if someone publishes in public, either in print or online,
anything that is deemed malicious of a “vice or defect, real or
imaginary or any act, omission, condition, status, or circumstance
tending to cause the dishonor.
7. Sedition- pertains to subversive acts, such as rebellion and insurrection which
incite people to go against the government.
Legal, Ethical, and Societal Issues in Media and Information
FAIR USE GUIDELINES
 PATENT- pertains to an exclusive right granted to an invention. Just like
copyright law, a patent protects the owner from other people who deliberately or
unintentionally copy his invention.
Example: When a scientist is granted a patent, it means that he has exclusive
rights to the invention or product since it is his own original idea.
 TRADEMARK- refers to a specific sign associated with a particular brand of
goods or services. Companies use a trademark to distinguish their products from
other available and similar products in the market. If a brand name is followed by
the trademark symbol, it means that the brand name has exclusive use of its
trademark.
 NETIQUETTE
o Etiquette- when we were referring to someone who has etiquette, it
means that the person has proper decorum and behaves according to
what society dictates to be right.
o Netiquette denotes the proper attitude that one should observe when
communicating online. Whether one is talking to someone through video
conference, instant messaging, e-mail, or chat, netizens or Internet users
should remain polite at all times.
Here are some guidelines to remember as an Internet user with netiquette:
1. Observe politeness when responding to or sending messages.
2. When you received a message, especially if it is from your superior at
work or a client, it would be polite to reply urgently. Acknowledging
receipts of messages sent by a relative or a friend usually conveys
thoughtfulness or warmth.
3. Review first the intended message before sending it so that you can
be sure that it is the exact message that you want to convey.
4. As a sign of respect, do not send spam or chain messages to your
list of contacts whether they are your family members, friends, or
colleagues.
a. Spam mail- is a form of commercial advertising which
companies send in bulk through e-mail to prospective
customers.
b. Chain mail- refers to an e-mail which requires the receiver
to send the same message to another person.
5. Ask permission first before sharing someone’s personal post, photo,
and video on social media, as this could violate the person’s right to
privacy.
6. As a sign of respect, personal photos or videos of private individuals
should not be tampered out of fun or parody, nor disseminated in
public, as this can be offensive.
DIGITAL DIVIDE
Refers to the economic, educational, and social inequalities experienced by
those who cannot afford to have computer and Internet access.
It also pertains to the gap on the kind of information which can be accessed, and
the available form of communication that is allowed to be distributed.
Example: Communist countries, such as China, restrict the public from using social
media websites like Facebook because in nations under this type of government, the
leaders have the complete control of the state.
VIRTUAL SELF
Pertains to one’s representation in the virtual world, which exists online and is
only available once a person is connected to the Internet.
Example:
 Avatar - can pertain to something which is associated with non-visual ideas.
 Emojis – or emoticons are smileys which represents an emotion or idea. Some
people express their message through an emoji instead of verbally stating the
message.
DANGERS OF THE INTERNET
INTERNET AND COMPUTER ADDICTION
 Addiction – refers to a condition in which a person seems to have lost control
over an action or behavior, which mental health practitioners deemed as selfdestructive.
o Example: when a person who enjoys playing poker or casino develops
addiction, he will feel the urge to do it under all circumstances.
VULNERABILITY TO ONLINE CRIMES
 Cyberbullying- bullying that is done through the Internet. In this act, harm is
done when the bully tells something derogatory about someone and then posts
and shares it using social media.
 Frequent use of social media- can also result to overexposure to violence and
pornography. Nowadays, many unscrupulous websites host, leak, or spread lewd
videos and photographs, which can negatively influence minors to behave badly
like the ones they see online. This may result to an increase in crime rate due to
juvenile delinquency.
THREATS AND RISKS FROM THE ABUSE AND MISUSE OF MEDIA
AND INFORMATION
The Article III of the 1987 Philippine Constitution is about the Bill of Rights.
Section 4 specifically states that, “No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of
speech, of expression, or of the press, or of the right of the people to assemble and
petition to the government to redress of grievances.”
This means that as a democratic country, all citizens are entitled to freedom of
expression and the state ought to protect that constitutional right. Due to this, we are
free to express our ideas and beliefs through writing, speaking, or demonstration
without fear of being sued.
Despite of this, we should never abuse and misuse our freedom of speech. We
also need to take into consideration the rights and feelings of other people. Thus,
freedom of expression does not give us the permission to hurt others because that is a
violation of their right as well.
LIBEL
A person commits libel if he publishes in public, either in print or online, anything
that is deemed malicious of a “vice or defect, real or imaginary or any act, omission,
condition, status, or circumstance tending to a cause the dishonor, discredit, or
contempt of a natural or juridical person, or to blacken the memory of one who is
dead.”
In the Philippine Constitution, libel is a violation of Article 335 of the Revised
Penal Code. As stated in this article, libel can be committed in writing, printing, and
under similar means.
SLANDER
According to Article 358 of the Revised Penal Code, slander refers to a
malicious act of spreading untrue statements about someone or something else, in a
way that is intended to cause harm.
Calling someone names or saying derogatory remarks about a person is
considered slanderous.
Libel and slander laws also constitute policies against misquotation and mislabeling.
1. Misquotation. It refers to quoting someone for having said something, but
without using the exact words spoken. Misquotation can also mean quoting
someone for something he did not say.
A person who commits misquotation can either be charged with libel under
Article 355 of the Revised Penal Code, or slander under Article 358 of
the Revised Penal Code.
2. Mislabeling. Whether it is done deliberately or unintentionally, mislabeling a
person or organization can be considered mislabeling, hurtful, and damaging. A
person guilty of misleading violates one’s honor under Title 13 Crime against
Honor of the Revised Penal Code.
Mislabeling, if done in writing, is a form of libel and is slanderous if it is
expressed verbally. A person accused of mislabeling will be judged
according to Article 353 of the Revised Penal Code under the definition
of libel as it causes dishonor or discredit to one’s reputation.
ANTI-OBSCENITY LAW
According to Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code (as amended by P.D. No.
960), a material would be a violation to the anti-obscenity law if it includes immoral
doctrines, obscene publication or exhibitions, and indecent shows. Materials that have
content glorifying criminals or condoning their crimes; promotes violence, lust, or
pornography; offends a race or religion; promotes the use of prohibited drugs; and
encourages acts contrary to law, public order, morals, good customs, established
policies, lawful orders decrees, and edicts also violate the anti-obscenity law.
SEDITION
It pertains to subversive acts, such as rebellion and insurrection, which incite
people to go against the government and resist its lawful authority and jurisdiction.
According to Article 138 of the Revised Penal Code, any person who is found to be
inciting a rebellion shall be penalized because this will endanger the security, safety,
and stability of the State.
CONTEMPT OF COURT
As explained in Section 1, Rule 71 of the Rules of Court, contempt of court
refers to the disobedience to the court where a person exhibited acts opposing the
court’s authority, justice, and dignity.
For example, a journalist can be accused of contempt of court if a material he
published impedes the administration of justice as the case is still pending, which then
can affect the magistrate’s decision or solicit unfair opinion about the court. A
publication could merit contempt if it accused the court of being biased or unfair.
PIRACY
It is unauthorized distribution and reproduction of copyrighted material. It is also a
violation of the Anti-Cam cording Act of 2010 or Republic Act 10888.
Under the Anti Cam cording Act of 2010, it “prohibits and penalizes the
unauthorized use, possession and/or control of audiovisual recording devices for the
unauthorized recording of cinematographic films and other audiovisual works and/or
their soundtracks in an exhibition’s facility, providing penalties therefore and for other
purposes.”
V-KEY POINTS
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Ethical standards should be observed online so that Internet users will
know how to act properly and politely.
Societal issues on media and information should be addressed to maintain
order and organization.
There should be no excuse for netizens to misbehave on social media.
Although the Internet is technically a virtual world, users are still expected
to follow rules accordingly and become law-abiding citizens.
In the past, ordinary citizens find it a hassle to do business transactions
with companies or government agencies since the process of application
and inquiring information are manually done. Nowadays, one can make a
transaction online via phone call.
I today’s time, accessing information has been much easier and faster, but
it does not authorize anybody to illegally upload information that will be
considered obscene and offensive. Additionally, copyrighted materials
deemed informative for the public’s interest should not be shared indiscriminately without
due permission.
As democratic country, Filipino citizens are entitled to freedom of expression, but we
should not abuse it as we also need to respect the rights of others. Due to this, the
misuse of one’s freedom of expression can merit legal sanctions.
VI- ACTIVITY
Info-Challenge
1. Create a presentation of any subject or topic that you are interested in. State
facts and avoid plagiarism through proper citation.
2. Write an essay on how to combat Internet addiction.
VII- EVALUATION
A. Modified True or False. Write True if the underlined concept is correct. If it is false,
write the correct concept on the blank to make the statement true.
________1. A literary piece like a poem is protected by a patent.
________2. Access to Internet can become limited in some areas when there is digital
divide.
________3. A person who observes copyright avoids hurting and harming others on
so0cial media.
________4. Fair Use allows users to access and reproduce copyrighted materials without
providing the necessary citation.
________5. Using emojis or emoticons is a form of expressing a person’s virtual self.
________6. Sedition pertains to subversive acts, such as rebellion which incites people to
go against the government.
________7. Misquotation refers to a malicious act of spreading untrue statements about
someone or something else, in a way that is intended to cause harm.
________8. Contempt of Court refers to the disobedience to the court.
________9. Unauthorized distribution and reproduction of a copyrighted material is a
violation of Anti-Camcording Act of 2010 or Republic Act of 10898.
________10. Cyber bullying is bullying done through the Internet.
B. Situational Analysis. Write  if the statement conveys a positive attitude. Write  if
otherwise.
________1. Walter used his social media account to post derogatory remark about Mr.
Mark, who keeps on teasing him.
________2. Rachel asked her friends on Facebook to support her fundraising
campaign that will support orphans.
________3. Efren did not put any citation on the material he used for his research
since the reference is already very old.
________4. Dr. Jackson copied his colleague’s invention since the latter has not
applied for patent yet.
________5. Gemma told her friends that they have to change the logo of their
marketing project since there is already a similarity branded logo available in
store.
________6. Zorren bought a pirated CD for her sister’s birthday because he does not
have much money.
________7. Zia received a three-day suspension after school authorities learned that
she was guilty of posting obscene photos on her Instagram account.
________8. General Frank distributed flyers campaigning for the people to rebel and
organized a revolution to oust the president he accused of being corrupt.
________9. The publisher of a newspaper received a contempt from court after it
released an investigative but controversial news accusing some of its
members of bribery.
________10. The magazine printed an apology for their last issue which contained
misquotations and mislabeling.
VIII- REFERENCES
Book:
Media and Information Literacy (Enhancing Education through Effective
Communication)
Christine Marie Magpile
Philippine Copyright 2016 by The Inteligente Publishing, Inc.