MANILA — The House of Representatives has deferred action on the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DITC) proposed 2027 budget as lawmakers press Meta over online child safety and called on its chief executive officer Mark Zuckerberg to face a congressional hearing.
The move escalates government pressure on the technology giant amid concerns over online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, harmful content and Meta’s accountability for protecting Filipino users, particularly minors.
The DICT said Zuckerberg has been called to appear alongside the department at a House hearing that will examine harmful online content, platform accountability and safeguards for Filipino social media users.
The department backed the House’s action, saying congressional scrutiny during budget deliberations has pushed the agency to strengthen public service and accountability.
DICT Secretary Henry R. Aguda said the agency particularly shares lawmakers’ concerns over online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) and child sexual abuse and exploitation materials (CSAEM).
The DICT described the threats as serious enough to require decisive government action and greater accountability from technology companies.
It also cited other digital dangers confronting Filipino children and young people, including illegal online gambling, cyberbullying, excessive social media use and related mental health risks.
The department said technology companies operating in the country have a responsibility to establish effective safeguards, promptly remove harmful content and cooperate transparently with Philippine authorities.
It singled out Meta for allegedly falling short of its responsibilities on youth safety, saying other technology platforms have demonstrated greater cooperation with authorities and measurable progress in protecting users.
“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 department stressed that Meta’s massive reach carries an equally significant responsibility to protect its users.
“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,” it said.
The DICT warned that failure by technology companies to adequately address online risks could erode public confidence.
“The safety and welfare of Filipino children must remain paramount. Technology companies that operate in the Philippines must be held to the highest standards of responsibility,” it said.
The department vowed to continue coordinating with Congress, law enforcement agencies, child protection advocates and technology companies to strengthen measures against online child abuse and other digital threats.
As of this writing, Meta had not publicly responded to the House’s call for Zuckerberg to appear at the hearing./PN
