A Senate panel in the Philippines will subpoena Meta, Facebook’s parent company, for failing to attend a hearing on crucial bills aimed at combating online disinformation. Senator Rodante Marcoleta initiated the motion after Meta submitted an excuse letter, despite its platforms being central to discussions. This contrasts with TikTok, which sent a representative.
The three bills—Senate Bill 191 (Anti-False Content and Fake News Act), Senate Bill 1441 (Social Media Fairness and Algorithmic Transparency Act), and Senate Bill 1490 (Anti-Troll Farm Act)—aim to address issues of disinformation and regulate social media. SB 191 targets the creation and spread of fake news, empowering the Department of Justice to issue takedown orders. SB 1441 focuses on the algorithms that determine online content visibility, requiring platforms to disclose their practices and allowing for audits. SB 1490 seeks to criminalize organized troll farms.
Concerns about identity verification and the accountability of social media users were also discussed to counteract the spread of disinformation. Law enforcement emphasized the need for immediate action against clear threats, like terrorism, while disinformation often remains unchecked.
Throughout the hearings, the importance of safeguarding freedom of expression was highlighted, ensuring that regulatory measures do not hinder press freedom or be misused to silence dissent. Further deliberations are planned through technical working groups.
