Manila: Scam Watch Pilipinas is calling on the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to use the Philippines' 2026 ASEAN chairship to lead a united regional push for accountability among the world's biggest technology companies. In a statement on Wednesday, Scam Watch Pilipinas co-founder and lead convenor Jocel de Guzman called on DICT Secretary Henry Aguda to make ASEAN digital sovereignty a priority regional agenda to strengthen 'Big Tech' accountability across Southeast Asia.
According to Philippines News Agency, De Guzman emphasized the challenges faced by countries like the Philippines, who have been managing the world's biggest technology companies on an individual basis. He noted that when platforms are requested to address issues such as harmful content, scam advertisements, fake accounts, or other digital threats, cooperation largely depends on the platform's willingness due to limited jurisdiction and enforcement capabilities.
De Guzman pointed out that the lack of cooperation from platforms should not force governments into a position where they must choose between accepting harmful online activities or resorting to outright bans. Instead, he advocated for enhancing the governmental ability to regulate these companies, compel cooperation, and hold them accountable for failing to act appropriately.
He referenced the European Union's Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act as examples of how governments could collectively regulate technology companies. Although he cautioned that ASEAN should not replicate Europe entirely, he suggested studying successful elements to create a framework fitting Southeast Asia's context.
Highlighting the disparity in consumer access, De Guzman mentioned that Filipino consumers often do not receive the same services as other markets. He cited examples like the unavailability of Google Pixel phones, Microsoft Surface products, and Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses in the Philippines as indicative of broader market neglect.
De Guzman argued that a regional bloc of nearly 700 million people would wield more influence than individual nations negotiating separately. He proposed that the Philippines spearhead discussions on an ASEAN Big Tech Accountability Framework that would encompass major digital platforms operating in the region. This framework could mandate accountable regional representation, expedite response timelines to government requests, ensure transparency in digital advertising and content moderation, enhance safeguards for children and vulnerable users, and impose consequences for non-compliance.
He also suggested a mechanism for ASEAN member states to coordinate when a major platform consistently refuses cooperation in a particular country. De Guzman clarified that the initiative is about balancing power rather than controlling the internet, as both Big Tech and harmful content operate across borders.
He urged Aguda and the DICT to seize the opportunity to initiate this regional dialogue, aiming to establish a stronger collective negotiating position for Southeast Asia. De Guzman concluded by stating that if Big Tech desires access to ASEAN's 700 million consumers, accountability should be a non-negotiable condition.
