User-Safety Dispute with Meta Delays DICT Budget Hearing - BusinessWorld Online
Lawmakers cited slow takedowns and child sexual abuse material as they pressed Meta for stronger accountability before approving the agency budget.
- The Philippine House of Representatives summoned Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Wednesday to address child safety concerns, deferring the Department of Information and Communications Technology's proposed P17.6 billion 2027 budget pending resolution.
- Lawmakers and the DICT cited "grave threats" regarding platform accountability, specifically Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children and Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Materials on Meta's platforms.
- With 120 million Filipinos using the platform, the Philippines ranks as the fifth largest user base globally, yet representatives criticized Meta for lacking a local office and formal recourse channels.
- Rep Brian Poe Llamanzares confirmed officials visited Singapore to seek a memorandum of agreement with Meta; the DICT later said Meta's replies did not meet "specific, time-bound actions" requested.
- Funding for the DICT under the National Expenditure Program at P17.6 billion for 2027 remains under scrutiny until Meta opens a local corporate office and implements identity verification frameworks.
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User-safety dispute with Meta delays DICT budget hearing - BusinessWorld Online
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 […]
House summons Meta's Zuckerberg over child safety, defers action on 2027 DICT budget
The DICT says Meta Platforms 'continues to fall short of its responsibility and commitment to youth safety,' and authorities will take steps to remedy that in the Philippines
Meta child safety concerns behind House 'call' for Mark Zuckerberg to hearing
The House of Representatives has called Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg to a hearing and put the Department of Information and Communications Technology's proposed 2027 budget on hold until concerns over child safety on Meta's platforms are resolved.
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