Batang Ligtas Act expected to be signed into law this November

The proposed Batang Ligtas Act, which seeks to strengthen protections against online child sexual abuse and exploitation, is expected to be signed into law this November, coinciding with the observance of National Children's Month.

National Coordination Center Against Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM) Executive Director Barbara Mae Flores announced the development following the bill's approval by the bicameral conference committee.

The measure seeks to strengthen safeguards against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) and the proliferation of child sexual abuse or exploitation materials (CSAEM) by imposing stricter accountability requirements on digital platforms.

Under the proposed law, online platforms classified as high-risk for child exploitation would be required to establish physical offices in the Philippines to facilitate coordination with local authorities and ensure accountability.

High-risk platforms would also be mandated to implement proactive safety systems capable of detecting and blocking the uploading of child sexual abuse materials before they spread online.

"With the Batang Ligtas Act, we are shifting from being reactive to being preventive," Flores said.

"We are compelling tech giants and online networks to integrate safety directly into their ecosystem, ensuring our children are protected the moment they step into the digital world."

The anticipated enactment of the measure would mark another step in the government's efforts to combat online child exploitation by requiring digital platforms to take preventive action rather than merely respond to reported violations.

The NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM serves as the country's central coordinating body tasked with preventing, monitoring and combating online child sexual abuse and exploitation.