Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida has called on the public to exercise restraint in reposting violent content on social media, saying Filipinos can help curb the spread of such material without compromising freedom of expression.
Vida made the appeal to the media and the public by urging them to refrain from resharing violent videos amid the recent deadly school incidents.
“I want to seek help from the media also and the public. Let’s not repost. Let’s restrain,” Vida said in a chance interview.
He said restraint can be a powerful tool especially when users encounter violent videos online.
“The real power here is the power of restraint. If it’s a violent video, tapos nakarating sa’yo, ang gagawin mo, isi-share mo pa at ipapass,” he said.
Vida acknowledged that regulating such content could raise questions involving freedom of expression.
“Very gray area, diba? It’s part of the far spectrum ng freedom,” he said.
Rather than relying solely on possible criminal prosecution, however, Vida urged Filipinos to exercise individual responsibility by choosing not to amplify violent material.
He questioned the kind of society that could emerge if people continue to share violent content simply because it is available online.
“Pero yung sharing, we can do it individually, us as Filipinos. Let’s help in this, no?” Vida said.
“Pag may nakita kayong violent (content), isi-share mo pa. Diba, you’re creating a society na ito ba ang gusto nating society? Kawawa naman, let’s all grow up, diba? Very violent, ishe-share mo pa. Tulong-tulong tayo dito,” he added.#