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In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, where connectivity fosters unprecedented communication, collaboration, and opportunities, the need for balanced legislation on online safety, authenticity, and responsible digital engagement has never been more critical. As we navigate this digital era, we face the dual challenge of safeguarding individuals from online risks while upholding the freedoms and rights that empower us to thrive in the virtual world. This proposal seeks to address these challenges head-on by advocating for laws that not only protect but also promote integrity, transparency, and accountability across digital platforms, ensuring a safer and more trustworthy online experience for all.
Date: February 6, 2025
To: The Honorable Members of the House of Representatives
Batasang Pambansa Complex
Constitution Hills, Quezon City
Philippines
Subject: Proposal for Balanced Legislation on Online Safety, Authenticity, and Responsible Digital Engagement
Honorable Members of the House of Representatives,
Greetings of respect and commitment to a safer, more responsible digital landscape.
Social media has become a double-edged sword—bridging distances, amplifying voices, and driving innovation, yet simultaneously enabling misinformation, cybercrimes, and digital exploitation. While free speech and innovation remain cornerstones of our democracy, there is an urgent need for policies that ensure online spaces are safe, accountable, and authentic.
As the House of Representatives undertakes discussions on social media accountability and digital well-being, I respectfully submit the following recommendations for a legislative approach that promotes online safety, authenticity, and responsible digital engagement while safeguarding free speech and technological progress. I am.grateful.for having been invite as one of the vloggers/social media personalities at the previous Tricomm joint meeting . Please consider this proposal that we can polish together with the help of all stakeholders.
1. Strengthening Social Media Accountability
A. Enhancing Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Protections
Amend the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173) to mandate that social media platforms store Philippine user data locally to prevent breaches and foreign interference.
Require platforms to report cybersecurity incidents within 24 to 48 hours to the National Privacy Commission (NPC).
Implement mandatory annual cybersecurity audits for platforms, with penalties for non-compliance, similar to the EU’s GDPR.
B. Local Registration and Regulation of Social Media Platforms
Require foreign social media companies operating in the Philippines to register a legal entity under the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to ensure compliance with local laws.
Establish a tax structure for digital platforms, with a portion allocated to government programs on cybersecurity, digital literacy, and cybercrime prevention.
C. Ethical Standards for Social Media Influencers and Content Creators
Establish a National Digital Content Regulatory Board under the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) or a new entity, and DICT to oversee social media influencers, vloggers, and digital personalities.
Require influencers with over 100,000 followers to register for accountability.
Implement clear disclosure guidelines for sponsored content, particularly political and advocacy materials, in line with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) standards.
2. Ensuring Authenticity in Digital Communications
A. Strengthening the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175)
Expand legal coverage to include:
Doxxing (unauthorized release of private information).
AI-generated disinformation (deepfake videos, manipulated content).
Online gender-based violence (cyber harassment, stalking, digital sexual abuse).
Create a National Cybercrime Reporting System, akin to the U.S. Cyber Tipline, for direct reporting to DICT and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Strengthen coordination between the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) and DOJ Cybercrime Office for faster investigations.
B. Mandatory Digital Literacy Education
Integrate Digital Ethics & Media Literacy as a core subject in K-12 and higher education curricula.
Require annual digital ethics training for government employees and private sector workers to prevent cybercrimes, data leaks, and online abuse.
C. Regulating Deepfake & AI-Generated Content
Mandate explicit watermarking on AI-generated images, videos, and audio to prevent digital deception.
Ban the unauthorized use of AI in political campaigns, fraud, and character defamation.
D. Transparency in Political & Sponsored Content
Require social media platforms and influencers to publicly disclose all political advertising and sponsorships.
Implement clear labeling of paid political content to combat disinformation.
3. Advancing Digital Well-Being
A. Mental Health Safeguards on Social Media
Require social media platforms to introduce time limits and digital well-being alerts for excessive usage.
Mandate in-app mental health resources and crisis hotline links for users experiencing online abuse.
B. Protecting Minors in Digital Spaces
Implement strict age verification and parental control mechanisms for users under 18.
Ban the monetization of exploitative child content in family vlogs and streaming platforms.
Strengthen school-based cyber protection programs in collaboration with DICT and DepEd.
4. Legislative & Policy Actions
A. Creation of a National Digital Rights & Responsibility Act
Define digital citizens' rights and responsibilities, including:
Protection from cyber harassment and misinformation.
The right to digital privacy and fair online treatment.
Legal accountability for misuse of social media platforms.
B. Support for Independent Fact-Checking Organizations
Provide government-backed grants for independent fact-checking groups like Vera Files and Rappler’s Fact-Check Initiative.
Require social media platforms to collaborate with accredited fact-checkers for misinformation moderation.
C. Whistleblower Protection for Social Media Moderators
Establish legal protections for tech company employees who expose unethical content moderation practices.
Hold social media executives accountable for negligence in moderating harmful content.
D. Strengthening Government-Media-Platform Collaboration
Implement quarterly consultations between Congress, media organizations, and tech companies to assess digital threats.
Require transparent reporting from social media platforms on content moderation policies and cybersecurity measures.
A Call to Action for a Safer Digital Future
Honorable Members of Congress, the Philippines stands at a crossroads in the digital age. Misinformation, cyber threats, and digital exploitation threaten our democracy, personal freedoms, and national security. Without decisive action, we risk allowing artificial intelligence, unchecked algorithms, and unethical online behavior to manipulate our society.
Now is the time to enact a legislative framework that safeguards digital spaces without compromising free speech and innovation. The recommendations outlined above offer a balanced, enforceable, and future-proof approach to ensuring online accountability, authenticity, and public well-being.
I humbly urge the House of Representatives to consider these policy proposals and initiate concrete steps toward comprehensive digital legislation. Our digital future depends on the decisions made today. Let us work together to establish a safe, responsible, and ethically governed online environment for all Filipinos.
Thank you for your time and dedication to this vital issue. I remain available for further discussions and collaboration in crafting policies that uphold our nation’s best interests in the digital age.
Respectfully yours,
Ross Flores Del Rosario
Founder, Wazzup Pilipinas
09473820042
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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