Malacañang said it is considering a possible ban on Facebook in the Philippines amid a recent surge in harmful content, violence, and false information, particularly posts related to the recent school shootings.
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) is reviewing possible measures against online platforms where flagged content, including material related to the school shootings in Tacloban and Zamboanga, has been circulating.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government is open to considering stronger measures against social media companies.
“Kung kinakailangan po,” Castro said when asked if a platform ban could be considered. “At ito ang napag-aralan dahil hindi lamang marahas ang nakikita natin sa ibang klase ng social platform at sa social media. Kailangan din pong pag-aralan kung ito ba ay nakakatulong sa paglaganap ng mga fake news sa ating bansa.”
The CICC’s review included proposals to restrict platforms such as Facebook or Meta. Castro said any decision to restrict or ban a platform would require a thorough assessment of its impact and the accountability of social media companies.
She said the administration is particularly concerned about platforms that fail to respond to calls for stronger safeguards against violence and misinformation, especially when young Filipinos are exposed to harmful content.
“Kung hindi magkakaroon ng accountability ang anumang social media platform at parang nababale wala ang ating mga hiling para maproteksyunan ang ating mga kababayan laban sa karahasan, laban sa fake news, mabagal ang pagtugon, magandang pag-isipan at pag-aralan kung dapat silang manatili na parte ng ating sistema,” she said.
She said the government is also concerned about deliberate misinformation online that could cause harm, particularly when it threatens public safety and affects young Filipinos.
“Ang hindi lamang po natin matatanggap, lalong-lalo na ang hindi matatangap ng Pangulo ay ang paglaganap ng fake news,” Castro said.
Any potential restrictions on digital platforms could have far-reaching effects on communication, businesses, education, journalism, and public access to information.
