The government is currently not considering a ban on Facebook since the popular social media platform is responsive to the government’s requests to remove fake news and violent, harmful content, Malacañang said on Thursday.
In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace press officer Claire Castro said they remain open to regulating social media platforms, but said there is no move to ban Facebook for now.
“Noong Martes po, ay nasabi po natin dahil ito din po ang nakita ng CICC at ng DICT. Ngunit makalipas ng dalawang araw ay binigyan po tayo ng impormasyon na ang Facebook, particular ang Facebook, ay tumutugon naman daw po sa mga dapat na gawin,” Castro said.
“Hindi po ibig sabihin na kapag naman na yung iba na mga social media platforms ay hindi tumutugon, eh lahat naman po ay dapat na maban,” she said.
She said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is still open to measures that could address the ill effects of social media on young Filipinos.
Castro urged other social media platforms and gaming applications to undertake steps to stop the spread of violent content.
“Pero ito po ay isang hudyat na rin para sa ibang mga lumalabag,” she said.
Pressed if Facebook would be banned for now, Castro said:“Wala pa naman po silang ginaban. Katulad po ng sinabi natin, ito’y lahat naman po ay inaaral.”
The government is looking at clearer rules that would apply to all social media sites.
“Kailangan po natin na magkaroon ng mas malinis, mas maayos na mga rules para po i-apply na rin, hindi lamang sa Facebook, kundi sa lahat ng mga social media platforms,” she added.