Senator Joel Villanueva has urged the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) to fast-track a bill protecting children from dangerous online platforms following a recent school shooting in Tacloban City that left three dead and 20 wounded.
The tragedy involved a 14-year-old student who was reportedly a frequent player of GoreBox, a highly graphic and violent video game.
The proposed law aims to block children under 15 from accessing harmful digital content. Instead of punishing minors, the legislation firmly places the burden of compliance on tech companies.
“It prohibits access by age-restricted users to covered platforms, while placing the primary responsibility on platform operators to enforce such prohibition,” Villanueva wrote in the proposed measure.
Under the bill, digital companies would be legally obligated to integrate age verification systems, content moderation tools, safety-by-design features, and risk management strategies, all while safeguarding personal user data.
“Rather than penalizing young users, the measure ensures that those who design, operate, and profit from digital platforms are held accountable for maintaining a safe environment,” the bill read.
Aside from regulating tech giants, Villanueva’s proposal focuses on a holistic approach to youth digital safety. It mandates the promotion of digital literacy, boosts institutional support systems within schools, and encourages active parental guidance in monitoring children’s online environments.