Meta Safety Issues Delay DICT Budget Hearing in Philippines

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said it supports the decision by the House of Representatives to defer hearings on the department’s budget over unresolved safety issues with Meta Platforms, Inc. “The DICT fully understands and takes heed of the position of the House of Representatives leadership regarding the deferment of the Department’s budget pending the resolution of serious and longstanding concerns involving Meta,” it said in a statement on Thursday. Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Rhoel R. Aguda said the DICT continues to demand action from Meta, the parent company of Facebook, to address the growing instances of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children and the online proliferation of such materials. “Unlike other technology platforms that have demonstrated meaningful cooperation with authorities and concrete progress in safeguarding users, Meta continues to fall short of its responsibility and commitment to youth safety,” Mr. Aguda said. The DICT said earlier this month that Meta is studying the DICT’s proposal to integrate the national ID into its platforms as an identity-verification tool. The DICT is proposing the verification of users using the national ID for social media accounts to help reduce cybercrime, online scams and aid in verifying the age of users. “With the enormous scale and reach of its services comes a corresponding obligation to implement effective, measurable safeguards, remove harmful content promptly, and cooperate fully and transparently with Philippine authorities. Accountability cannot be optional,” the DICT said. BusinessWorld contacted Meta’s investor relations platform for comment, but it had not replied at the deadline. — Ashley Erika O. Jose