Manila: The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will push for stronger accountability from Big Tech companies at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) level, building on recent engagements with Meta and Roblox in Singapore.
According to Philippines News Agency, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda stated that the Philippines aims to bring the issue to ASEAN, seeking clearer regional mechanisms for accountability, faster responses, and stronger protection of citizens against digital threats.
"The Philippines cannot deal with these challenges alone, and neither can any ASEAN member state. What we achieved in Singapore shows that engagement can produce results, but ASEAN acting together can achieve much more," Aguda said in a statement.
The move follows a call from Scam Watch Pilipinas for an ASEAN-wide approach that would give member states greater leverage in dealing with global technology platforms over harmful content, scams, fraudulent advertisements, misinformation, and other cross-border digital threats.
Scam Watch Pilipinas co-founder Jocel De Guzman emphasized that the Philippines should lead discussions on ASEAN digital sovereignty. "The DICT can put ASEAN digital sovereignty on the agenda and use it to build a stronger regional framework for Big Tech accountability, especially on harmful content, scams, and other cross-border online threats," De Guzman said.
Aguda mentioned he will raise the issue at the Ministerial Roundtable Meeting on "AI: A Boon or Bane for Information and Media Cooperation" from Oct. 9 to 10 in Metro Manila, followed by the ASEAN Senior Officials' Meeting on Harnessing New Media for a Stronger ASEAN Narrative from Oct. 15 to 17.
He highlighted that ASEAN's nearly 700 million people represent collective strength that can be leveraged to build stronger partnerships with major technology companies.
During the Singapore talks, Meta committed to strengthen coordination with Philippine authorities in addressing harmful content, online threats, child sexual abuse and exploitation material, artificial intelligence-generated deepfakes, and cybercrime-related requests. Roblox also agreed to enhance safeguards for younger users and work more closely with Philippine authorities on age verification, parental controls, and other child safety measures.
"If Big Tech wants access to the ASEAN market, accountability to ASEAN governments, and protection of ASEAN citizens must come with that access," Aguda asserted.
