Did Philippine gig workers help Jeffrey Epstein clean up his online image?
South China Morning Post
by Sam BeltranFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The US Department of Justice has revealed emails suggesting that Jeffrey Epstein, the late American financier and convicted sex offender, may have hired a team of Philippine-based gig workers to clean up his online image. These individuals were allegedly tasked with removing mentions of his criminal history and promoting his reputation as a philanthropist and supporter of scientific research. The revelation has raised concerns among Filipino lawmakers about the potential exploitation of gig workers in the Philippines, particularly those involved in online-reputation management.
The Philippine Department of Information and Communications Technology-Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Centre (DICT-CICC) confirmed that it is investigating these allegations. Renato Paraiso, executive director of DICT-CICC, stated that the investigation is being conducted in anticipation of inquiries from the Senate and House of Representatives. While no specific Philippine-based company has been named in connection to Epstein’s associates, the case has brought attention to the murky world of online reputation management, a growing industry in the Philippines.
The situation highlights the ethical concerns surrounding gig work, particularly in the digital space, where workers may be exploited for their labor without proper protections or recognition. The case also underscores the global nature of online activities and how even individuals from developing countries can be drawn into high-profile international scandals. For readers interested in global affairs, this story sheds light on the intersection of technology, labor exploitation, and international law.
The Epstein case has already been a major focus of international attention due to his connections to influential figures and his alleged involvement in sex-trafficking. The potential role of Philippine
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/26/2026