The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has warned online platforms that they could be blocked in the Philippines if they do not immediately remove illegal content such as fake news, online scams, counterfeit products, illegal gambling, and child pornography.
According to DICT Secretary Henry Aguda, many complaints from the public are being received about products sold online that are fake brands or do not have FDA permits. There are also reports of posts that should be removed but social media companies are taking a long time to take action.
Aguda called for platforms to respond more quickly and have self-regulation so that posts with fake items and possible scams can be eliminated. He stressed that they are not against social media or online selling, but that their negative effects need to be reduced.
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center added that they will continue to monitor and possibly ban or block sites that do not comply. However, Aguda clarified that they are still far from a total shutdown because there are still more legit sellers and legit users using the platforms.
The DICT also encouraged online platforms to set up offices in the Philippines to speed up action on complaints. If there are Filipino content moderators, they will better understand the language and culture of the country.
