Under a new agreement with the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Meta has pledged to enhance its mechanisms for detecting, reporting, and removing disinformation and inappropriate content on Facebook. This includes faster flagging of child exploitation material, immediate reporting to local authorities, and its removal from the platform. The deal also targets scams such as fake investment schemes using deepfakes of officials, business leaders, and celebrities.
On Wednesday, February 18, the Department of Information and Communications Technology announced a landmark agreement with Meta aimed at accelerating responses to online threats in the Philippines. According to the agency's statement, Meta is required to promptly flag child exploitation content, report it to local authorities, and remove it from Facebook. The pact also encompasses monitoring and removal of financial scams, including fake investment schemes that employ deepfakes of public officials, prominent business leaders, and celebrities. It addresses phishing operations, digital fraud, and deepfakes used to damage the reputations of officials, business figures, and private individuals.
"Your kids, your money, and your reputation are now better protected on Facebook," the DICT stated. "Walang compromise sa online safety ng Pilipino. Period."
While it remains unclear how content will be flagged or who will decide if posts are misleading, this agreement forms part of the Philippine government's wider efforts against online scams and misinformation. In early 2025, Meta decided to end its third-party fact-checking program and adopt a community notes system, citing alleged bias in partner organizations. This shift faced scrutiny during the House Tri-Committee's probe into disinformation, where lawmakers questioned Meta officials on their moderation practices.
During April 2025 congressional hearings, Meta clarified that the fact-checking program's termination would initially apply in the United States, with no firm timeline for global rollout. As a compromise, Meta representatives expressed willingness to assist in developing local regulations for social media platforms to curb disinformation spread. In the current 20th Congress, several lawmakers have refiled bills to penalize those creating and disseminating false content on social media. However, civil society groups and disinformation experts have cautioned that such measures could threaten free speech and lead to censorship. The bills are still under committee deliberation.
