Large technology platforms operating in the country face greater pressure to prove they can police harmful content and protect young users, as the government pushes for stronger accountability from companies with massive reach.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said Thursday that technology companies must implement effective safeguards, promptly remove harmful content, and fully cooperate with Philippine authorities, warning that accountability cannot be optional.

Meta singled out

The agency singled out Meta for allegedly falling short on youth safety, as concerns over the social media giant have also prompted House leaders to defer deliberations on the DICT’s budget.

“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 in a statement.

“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.”

The DICT said it understands and supports the position of the House of Representatives (HoR) leadership to defer its budget pending the resolution of what it described as “serious and long-standing concerns involving Meta.”

HoR’s concerns on online sexual abuse and child exploitation

DICT Secretary Henry Aguda also submitted to the House’s exercise of its oversight function as lawmakers raised concerns over Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children and Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Materials.

“The issues raised, particularly Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children and Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Materials, are grave threats that demand decisive action and full accountability,” the DICT said.

The agency said the problem extends to other persistent online harms, including illegal gambling, cyberbullying, social media addiction, depression and related mental health risks affecting Filipino children and young people.