The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center is considering recommending a ban on Facebook in the Philippines if Meta continues to disregard the country’s laws and regulations.
CICC Executive Director Usec. Renato Paraiso said social media platforms should respect Philippine rules, particularly during sensitive incidents that require immediate cooperation with authorities.
Paraiso emphasized that online platforms should comply with the laws of the countries they serve and where they earn money.
The CICC is studying the possible recommendation following criticism from the Senate over Meta’s handling of a video showing the shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University.
The video was not removed immediately, prompting criticism from senators over the platform’s response to the incident.
No Meta representative also attended the Senate hearing concerning the incident.
The CICC stressed the importance of cooperation between social media platforms and authorities, especially in cases involving violent and sensitive content.
According to the agency, such cooperation is important in preventing the continued spread of sensitive material online.
The possible Facebook ban remains an option being studied by the CICC if Meta does not comply with Philippine laws and regulations.
The agency’s position centers on the responsibility of social media platforms to follow local rules and cooperate with authorities when incidents require urgent action.
Paraiso said platforms operating in the Philippines should respect the laws of the country where they provide services and generate revenue.
The issue has placed Meta under scrutiny from Philippine lawmakers after the Senate raised concerns about the delayed removal of the shooting video.
The CICC said cooperation is particularly important in cases involving violent and sensitive content because of the need to prevent its circulation online.
For now, the CICC is studying whether recommending a ban on Facebook should be considered if Meta continues not to follow Philippine laws and regulations.
