The Department of Social Welfare and Development is pushing to amend the country’s online child protection law as artificial intelligence creates new risks in the production and spread of abusive images and videos involving children.
DSWD Undersecretary Angelo Tapales, executive director of the Council for the Welfare of Children, said Thursday, May 21, that there is “really an attempt to amend” Republic Act No. 11930, or the Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act, because the law must keep pace with AI developments.
The concern is straightforward. Even if abusive content is AI-generated, Tapales said the law must be clear enough to ensure offenders can still be punished and properly prosecuted.
“Kailangan po natin i-amend yung batas so even AI-generated pictures and videos na malalaswa ng mga bata ay mapaparusahan po natin at maproprosecute nang maayos,” Tapales said.
He cited a “1,325 percent increase” worldwide in 2024 in child abuse and exploitation cases connected to AI use, warning that technology is already reshaping how children can be targeted online.
“Based on data, 1,325 percent increase kasi yan globally noong 2024,” he said.
Tapales said the government is also monitoring other technologies that could create new enforcement challenges.
“We are watching out for AI and ‘yung sinasabi nilang quantum technology na problematic din,” he said.
The proposed amendment comes as the Philippines ranked 15th out of 60 countries in the Out of the Shadows Index, which measures how governments respond to child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Tapales said law enforcement agencies also need stronger capacity on the ground. He called for additional manpower, funding and modern equipment for the Philippine National Police’s Women and Children Protection Center and Anti-Cybercrime Group to better detect, deter and disrupt online sexual abuse.
He also urged continued training for judges and court personnel handling anti-OSAEC cases to ensure evidence is properly evaluated and cases are not dismissed.
