Malacañang expressed openness to reviewing and potentially restricting social media platforms and gaming applications, including Facebook, should investigations prove they present dangers to young citizens or public interest.
Speaking at a Palace briefing, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is receptive to taking firm action against digital services that threaten youth welfare.
When asked if major platforms like Facebook could face potential bans, Castro noted that such extreme measures remain on the table if supported by technical studies and policy assessments.
The official highlighted that the rampant proliferation of misinformation and exposure to harmful material are critical criteria in determining whether a platform should operate within the country.
“Sa lahat ng maaaring gaming apps, lahat ng puwedeng masabing makakasira sa ating mga kabataan at sa bansa natin, open po ang Pangulo na matanggal ang lahat ng iyan,” Castro stated during the press conference.
Addressing the broader risks associated with unmoderated digital spaces, Castro pointed out that platforms failing to address misinformation and online violence effectively could face regulatory scrutiny.
“Kung kinakailangan po at ito po ang napag-aralan kasi marami po talagang … hindi lamang po sa nagiging marahas iyong nakikita natin sa iba’t ibang klase ng social platform at sa social media, kailangan din pong pag-aralan kung ito ba ay nakakabuti sa paglaganap ng mga fake news sa ating bansa,” she explained.
Furthermore, Malacañang stressed that tech companies must demonstrate accountability and responsiveness when requested to pull down harmful or deceptive material to maintain their operational status in the country.
“Kung hindi magkakaroon ng accountability ang anumang social media platform at parang nababalewala ang ating mga hiling para maproteksiyunan ang ating mga kababayan laban sa karahasan, laban sa fake news, kung mabagal ang pagtugon, ay magandang pag-isipan at pag-aralan kung dapat silang manatili na parte ng ating sistema,” Castro added.