NBI eyes Interpol help to extradite fake news vloggers

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago expressed openness to seeking Interpol’s help to extradite Filipino content creators abroad accused of spreading disinformation.

Amid ongoing investigations into vloggers, Malacañang on Thursday expressed support for the NBI's move and acknowledged that the number of fake news vloggers is increasing.

Santiago noted that pursuing suspects in countries like the United States poses jurisdictional challenges due to different legal frameworks and highlighted the use of Interpol notices to track their activities.

The NBI would coordinate with Interpol if necessary to secure warrants for arrest and pursue charges such as sedition or unlawful activities against individuals spreading fake news.

Content creators who profit from their viewership may face legal action if they cross legal boundaries, with the NBI investigating at least 20 individuals for fake news related to various issues including former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest before the International Criminal Court.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. was reported by Palace Press Officer Claire Castro as being slightly affected by the surge in fake news on social media.