The possibility of restricting social media access for users aged 16 and below was among the issues discussed by Philippine officials and Meta representatives during their talks in Singapore.
According to National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag, the country would study how such a policy could be implemented as he noted that other jurisdictions have already taken similar steps.
“Yung pag-uusap na iyon ay lumabas sa usapan pero titignan natin yung framework na gagawin kasi in other jurisdiction meron nang moves na ganoon,” Matibag said over the weekend.
He said the proposal was discussed as Philippine authorities and Meta explored ways to address the growing risks faced by minors on social media.
However, Matibag said the government’s immediate priority remains going after alleged online “groomers” who target minors and may influence them to commit violent acts.
“Pero dito sa Pilipinas ay ang mas immediate concern natin ay yung mga navi-victimize na minors para i-groom or turuan gumawa ng mga mali kagaya ng nangyari sa Tacloban at Zamboanga,” he said.
The NBI has recently identified a group of alleged online “groomers” who may be recruiting and influencing minors to carry out violent attacks, including school shootings, amid recent incidents in Tacloban City and Zamboanga City.
Matibag said the bureau first detected the alleged group during its investigation into the deadly shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City.
“Yung groomers na ito, sa Tacloban pa lang nakita na ng NBI ito. So nakita na namin, sinusundan na namin ito,” Matibag said.
Matibag said the proposed age-based restriction would require further study particularly on the framework that would govern its implementation in the Philippines.#