CICC warns of possible Facebook geoblocking over non-compliance

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) raised the possibility of geoblocking social media platforms in the Philippines, including Facebook, if they fail to set up local offices and comply with government regulations.

In an interview on DZMM, CICC Undersecretary Renato "Aboy" Paraiso explained that the agency's current capabilities limit direct content moderation.

“Di tayo makapag-block ng individual content e. Ang kaya natin i-block [‘yung mismong] platform,” Paraiso said.

The statement follows Facebook's failure to swiftly remove circulating videos of the recent Ateneo de Zamboanga University incident.
Asserting the government's authority to enforce compliance, Paraiso stressed the necessity of taking strict measures against platforms operating within the country.

“I think we have the right to do that,” he added.

While acknowledging that a potential ban would affect millions of Filipino Facebook users, Paraiso emphasized the importance of compelling major social media giants that profit in the Philippines to strictly comply with local regulation and content takedown requests.