The leadership of the House of Representatives has deferred consideration of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)’s proposed budget over unresolved concerns involving Meta, the mother company of Facebook, including the platform’s handling of online child sexual abuse and other risks to young users.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Sept. 16, the DICT said it respects the House’s exercise of its oversight powers and acknowledged lawmakers’ concerns about Meta.
The agency identified online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) and child sexual abuse and exploitation materials (CSAEM) as among the most serious issues raised during the budget deliberations.
It said lawmakers were also concerned about illegal online gambling, cyberbullying, social media addiction, depression and other mental health risks allegedly facilitated or amplified by major online platforms.
“Unlike other technology platforms that have demonstrated meaningful cooperation with authorities and concrete progress in safeguarding users, Meta continues to fall short of its responsibility and commitment to youth safety,” the DICT said.
The agency called on Meta to introduce measurable safeguards, quickly remove harmful content and cooperate transparently with Philippine authorities.
“With the enormous scale and reach of its services comes a corresponding obligation to implement effective, measurable safeguards, remove harmful content promptly, and cooperate fully and transparently with Philippine authorities. Accountability cannot be optional,” it added.
The DICT said persistent failures by technology companies to address risks to children could erode public trust. It also pledged to work with Congress, law enforcement agencies, child protection groups and technology companies to strengthen online safety measures.
“The protection of children is non-negotiable. All stakeholders, especially the largest platforms, must be held fully accountable,” the agency said.
