When Google Philippines’ main office first opened in 2017, all eyes were on its interiors, which integrated Filipino cultural elements with modern aesthetics. Since the early 2010s, tech companies such as Google and Pixar have changed the game of office spaces. Inspired by Silicon Valley, modern offices were no longer drab spaces that sucked the life force out of their employees; they transformed into vibrant spaces with sweeping views, creative nooks, social hubs, and food and beverage spots.

Google brought that same energy to the PH headquarters located on the 38th floor of the Seven NEO building (formerly Net Park) in Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

I manifested that I would one day tour the Google PH HQ, and that day finally came! On February 10th, which is Safer Internet Day 2026, I was invited to Google PH HQ to learn about their latest tools and tips to help Filipinos stay safe online and avoid scams.

The initiative was called “sA Internet, Ingat!” (“Take Care on the Internet!”) as Google PH rolled out their latest updates to fight both humman- and AI‑powered threats.

Scroll through my photos of my tour of the Google PH HQ while I share the latest internet safety tips I learned that day.

1. Brush up on cybercrime terminology.

Just when I thought I knew enough internet safety terms and abbreviations, last week was the first time I heard about:

Keystroke logging, the act of recording or “logging” every keystroke made on a computer or mobile device, often without the user’s knowledge, to steal sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers. It’s implemented via malware.

Brushing, where you receive a package you didn’t order, thanks to a third-party seller that used your name and address to create fake “verified” product reviews to boost their sales. While it seems like you’re getting free stuff, it can lead to unauthorized charges and your compromised info.

Being updated on cybercrime news helps you keep an eye out for scams, which evolve fast.

2. Ask Google to check your shady messages.

Anyone with a smartphone has probably noticed the influx of SMS and social media DMs from scammers pretending to be your bank, telecom company, a romantic suitor, or even a trusted friend or relative. Google Lens and Circle to Search now act as scam detectors. Android users can circle the text (Circle to Search), while iPhone users can screenshot the questionable message and scan it with Lens. Either way, Google will flag it if it’s a scam.

3. Theft Detection Lock for Android

An Android upgrade is the Theft Detection Lock, which uses on-device AI and motion sensors to instantly lock your screen if it detects a snatch-and-run motion (i.e., when your phone is pickpocketed while traveling or commuting), preventing data access.

4. Failed Authentication Lock

Another Android upgrade is the Failed Authentication Lock setting, which locks your phone screen after repeated failed authentication attempts. This was rolled out last year, but Google added a dedicated enable/disable toggle alongside Theft Detection Lock and Offline Device Lock. There’s also an increased lockout time after failed attempts to guess your PIN, pattern, or password.

5. Biometric Identity Check

Google also expanded its Biometric Identity Check, the theft-protection feature that asks for biometrics (fingerprint, face) when you’re performing sensitive actions (ex. changing PINs and accessing bank apps) outside of your trusted locations. It prevents unauthorized access even if a thief knows your PIN.

6. Adjust your kids’ screen times and content controls.

Kids are prone to scams and predators online, though I’m one of the many who will argue that it’s the boomers that we need to keep an extra eye on. If you have kids, use Family Link to adjust your kids’ screen times and content controls. This Google app has been around for a while, but last year, they added the School Time mode for Android phones and tablets to limit distractions during school hours.

Also try the YouTube Shorts Timer, which lets parents set specific time limits for short-form video consumption—even setting it to zero during homework and study time.

7. Know that we are all susceptible to online scams.

Even the top employees of Google PH and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) have shared stories of being scammed. It happens to the best of us, so don’t feel bad if you’ve been scammed.

8. If it’s too good to be true, it’s most likely a scam.

Banks urging you to claim ₱10,000 worth of credit card points that are about to expire? Shady! A random guy appears out of nowhere to romance you via social media and Telegram messages? Oh please! If your gut is telling you it’s too good to be true, then it most likely is! Searching and verifying won’t hurt. Visit the Facebook pages of your telecom and banks. The latest online scams are usually pinned on their pages. Dig up Reddit forums on scams.

9. SIFT.

Distinguishing human-led content from AI-generated media is a critical skill that even I, the journalist and digital nomad, am not 100% an expert in.

Google recommends the SIFT method—Stop, Investigate the source, Find better coverage, and Trace claims—to evaluate online information. To support this, Google offers About this Image, a search tool that provides context on where an image originated, and SynthID, technology that embeds digital watermarks into AI-generated content to help identify deepfakes and manipulated media.

10. Save the Philippine cybercrime hotline to your phone.

In case you get scammed online, call the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center’s 24/7 hotline, 1326. Even if the scam attempt failed, you may still report the numbers, usernames, or accounts. According to Usec. Aboy Paraiso of CICC, they encourage Filipinos to report everything, even small scams, because the modi are constantly evolving. “We see the number of scams going down, but we also see the scammers pivoting and adopting new technology in order to perpetrate their scams,” he said.

Have you ever been scammed online? Tell me your story! My last one was when I was in Bangkok. Read what happened here.

What are your top tips for keeping safe online?