Manila: The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) have called on tech giant Meta to take immediate action against 'false, misleading, and panic-inducing' content on social media.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a joint letter dated April 10, PCO acting Secretary Dave Gomez and DICT Secretary Henry Aguda urged Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to implement strict measures to counter false information on pressing issues, such as oil prices, economic disruptions, and government actions. Gomez and Aguda stated that the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation on Meta's platforms poses a direct and escalating threat to public order, economic confidence, and national security.
The letter highlighted that the Philippines is currently facing heightened economic and public vulnerability due to the ongoing global oil crisis. Rising fuel costs and increasing prices of essential goods have significantly heightened public sensitivity to information related to economic stability and government response. The officials requested Meta to align with the Philippine Government on strengthened safeguards and response mechanisms.
Gomez and Aguda emphasized that the publication of false news that may endanger public order, harm state interests, or incite disobedience to lawful authority is punishable by law. They warned that the malicious spread of false news results in public panic, artificial price distortions, or disruption in the supply of essential goods, which contribute to reports of illegal acts of price manipulation punishable under Republic Act No. 7581 or the Price Act, as amended, and other related statutes penalizing hoarding, profiteering, and market manipulation.
They urged Meta to improve proactive detection and suppression systems for high-risk disinformation, expedite government-flagging and takedown protocols, designate a senior-level, 24/7 coordination focal point, define escalation pathways and enforceable response timelines for high-risk content categories, and undertake regular transparency reporting on enforcement actions.
The letter concluded by requiring Meta to confirm receipt of the letter within 48 hours and to provide a detailed implementation plan of the measures outlined within seven calendar days from receipt. Gomez and Aguda cautioned that the Philippine government would consider appropriate regulatory and legal measures if Meta fails to take prompt and sufficient action.
