Senator Ping Lacson is seeking to bar Filipinos under 18 from using social media, warning that children face serious risks online that threaten their mental and emotional health.
Filed this week, Lacson’s proposed legislation, titled “An Act Regulating the Use of Social Media Platforms by Minors,” seeks to implement a nationwide social media ban for those below 18 years old. The bill mandates strict identity checks, including facial recognition and ID verification, to ensure compliance and would penalize violators with steep fines.
“Taking inspiration from this model, and in adherence to our State’s declared policy of promoting and protecting the mental and emotional well-being of its children, this bill is being proposed to protect Filipino children below 18 years old from online risks and harmful content,” Lacson said.
The proposed measure was partly grounded on findings from a UNICEF study, which highlighted how minors are particularly susceptible to cyberbullying, online harassment, and body image pressures on social media platforms.
Should the bill become law, platforms would be required to regularly audit user accounts, take down underage profiles, and respond swiftly when violations are detected. Penalties include fines of P1 million to P20 million for platforms that fail to comply, while ISPs may be fined up to P3 million for not blocking access when ordered. Third-party age verification providers could face penalties up to P5 million and a lifetime ban if they violate data privacy laws.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) would serve as the bill’s lead implementing agency, tasked with ensuring all platforms and ISPs follow the regulations.
