PCO chief calls for Digital Services Act to regulate social media

On Friday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) chief Jay Ruiz called for the passage of a Digital Services Act similar to that of the European Union during a House panel hearing.

Ruiz emphasized the need for social media platforms like Meta, TikTok, and YouTube to self-regulate or face stricter government oversight due to their lack of local presence in the Philippines.

He urged lawmakers to consider the EU's Digital Services Act framework to combat illegal and harmful activities online while upholding freedom of expression.

Ruiz highlighted the growing threat of deepfake content and warned that unchecked spread of fake news, hate speech, and explicit content is dividing Filipinos.

The PCO chief stressed that younger generations are particularly vulnerable to online disinformation as they spend increasing amounts of time in the digital space, urging technology to serve as a force for good rather than harm.

Content creators like MJ Quiambao Reyes testified about the impact of false narratives, advocating for transparency and accountability in governance while maintaining support for free speech.