CEBU, Philippines — Senator Risa Hontiveros has secured a commitment from Meta to heed requests from Philippine law enforcement authorities for user data, particularly when there is an imminent threat of violence.
Hontiveros in a statement said that she sent representatives on Thursday to join the Philippine delegation of key government officials in a roundtable meeting with Meta’s top Asia-Pacific policy officers at the company’s headquarters in Singapore.
The meeting, she said, focused on the responsibilities of Meta’s platforms, particularly Facebook, in addressing the spread of nihilistic violent extremism.
As the meeting was drawing to a close without an agreement, Hontiveros’ representatives pushed Meta to commit to sharing subscriber information and traffic data with Philippine authorities when there are indications of imminent attacks.
Meta agreed to the request, according to Hontiveros.
“Ngayong mga matataas na opisyal mismo ng Meta na ang nangakong mas magiging maagap sa mga posibleng banta ng karahasan, dapat maging mas mabilis ang aksyon laban dito,” Hontiveros said.
She said the commitment was important as Congress moves toward the passage of the Child Online Safety and Protection Act, which she identified as a priority measure of the government.
“Mahalaga ‘yan lalo’t isinusulong namin ngayon ang Child Online Safety and Protection Act, isang priority measure ng gobyerno. Mukhang handa naman ang Meta na higpitan ang safeguards nila dahil inabisuhan na namin sila na malapit nang pumasa ang batas na ‘yan,” she said.
The proposed law builds on the safeguards under Republic Act No. 11930, or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act, which was authored by Hontiveros.
Hontiveros said social media platforms should be held accountable for content being circulated on their platforms in the Philippines.
“Mahigpit ang bilin ko sa aking staff na hinarap ang Meta: Kailangang linawin sa kanila na hindi pwedeng pinagkakakitaan nila ang mga Pilipino sa Facebook, nang walang pananagutan sa laman nito. We will hold them to their word,” she added. — (FREEMAN)