Senator Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson has filed a bill to regulate social media use among minors, citing growing concerns over its impact on youth mental health and well-being. The proposed “Act Regulating the Use of Social Media Platforms by Minors” seeks to protect Filipino children under 18 from online risks and harmful content.
Senator Lacson’s Bill – “Protect the Minors”
Lacson highlighted studies linking excessive social media exposure to increased risks of anxiety, depression, and social isolation. He referenced a UNICEF study indicating Filipino children’s vulnerability to cyberbullying, body image pressures, and online harassment due to social media.
The bill mandates social media platforms to implement strict age verification measures, including ID verification and facial recognition, to prevent minors from accessing their services.
Moreover, platforms will also be required to regularly audit user data and promptly address reports of underage users. Personal information collected for age verification will be subject to the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will oversee the bill’s implementation, monitor compliance, investigate violations, and impose penalties. Non-compliant platforms and service providers face fines ranging from PHP 1 million to 20 million, with daily fines for continuing violations, and potential suspension or revocation of their operations in the Philippines.
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