The Philippines had 95.8 million social media user identities and 98 million Internet users in the latest country-specific digital report, underscoring the scale of the market as generative artificial intelligence reshapes how people worldwide find information and discover brands.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros has opposed the Senate-approved bill restricting access to high-risk social media platforms for Filipinos below 18 years old, warning that the measure could deprive young people of livelihood opportunities, access to information, and support networks while potentially exposing them to greater online risks.
The shift from social media to “interest media” is changing how organizations reach audiences, as algorithms increasingly prioritize relevant and engaging content over follower counts.
A House technical working group is reviewing proposals to restrict minors’ access to social media, including a bill that would prohibit children below 13 from creating accounts and require parental consent for users aged 13 to 17.
The Supreme Court (SC) has ruled that psychological violence committed through Facebook may carry a penalty higher by one degree under the Cybercrime Prevention Act, provided the use of information and communications technology is alleged in the criminal charge and proven during trial.
Citing Philippine Statistics Authority data, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said 80.76% of Filipino Internet users aged 11 and 87.64% of those aged 12 have social media accounts. The proportion was 72.86% among 10-year-olds and 93.72% among 13-year-olds.
The measure comes as lawmakers cite growing concerns over cyberbullying, online exploitation, addictive platform designs, misinformation, and the mental health effects of excessive social media use among children.
Lawmakers are calling for stronger regulation of social media platforms and enhanced online child protection measures following the deadly shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City that left three students dead and more than a dozen others injured.
The Supreme Court has suspended lawyer Jesus Nicardo M. Falcis III from the practice of law for one year after finding him guilty of simple misconduct over a profanity-laden post on social media.
Under Senate Bill No. 1955, or the proposed “Children’s Safety in Social Media Act,” operators of age-restricted social media platforms would be required to prevent underage users from creating and maintaining accounts.
