Malacañang is open to studying proposals to ban Facebook in the Philippines if the platform continues to allow the spread of fake news and violence, according to the Palace.
The statement followed a recommendation from the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, or CICC, to examine the possibility of banning Meta after violence occurred at Ateneo de Zamboanga.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said social media companies should be held accountable when they are slow to act in protecting the public from harmful information and violence online.
The Palace said the possible action is not intended to silence free expression or critics of the administration. Instead, it said the focus is on preventing fake news that could create risks for society and affect the future of young people.
The CICC proposal specifically called for examining a ban on Meta following the violence at Ateneo de Zamboanga. Malacañang said it is open to considering the proposal.
Castro emphasized the need for social media companies to take responsibility when their response to harmful content and online violence is slow.
The Palace also clarified that the proposal is not aimed at restricting criticism of the administration. It framed the issue instead as a matter of addressing fake news and preventing information that may pose risks to society and the youth.
The possible Facebook ban remains a proposal for study. The Palace has not stated that a ban has been approved or implemented.
The development puts attention on the responsibilities of social media companies in responding to harmful information and violence online, while Malacañang maintains that any action should focus on public protection rather than limiting free expression or criticism.
For now, the Palace remains open to studying the CICC recommendation concerning Facebook and other gaming applications if concerns about fake news and violence continue.
