Sen. Ping Lacson proposes to ban minors from social media use

• Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has filed a bill regulating the use of social media platforms by Filipino minors
• His proposed measure aims to protect them from the harmful effects of socmed overexposure
• The measure would prohibit individuals under 18 from accessing or using socmed platforms
• The senator said the measure was inspired by similar policies in other countries

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has recently filed a bill aiming to regulate social media use by minors in the country.

The bill titled “An Act Regulating the Use of Social Media Platforms by Minors, Imposing Age Restrictions, Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof, and for Other Purposes,” aims to protect minors from the harmful effects of socmed overexposure.

According to a report by PhilStar.com, the measure would prohibit Filipino individuals under 18 from accessing or using socmed platforms.

Inquirer.net also noted that under the proposed measure, Lacson cited a United Nation Children’s Fund (UNICEF) study that revealed that Filipino minors have become vulnerable to cyberbullying, body image pressures, and online harassment.

Lacson said other countries, such as Australia, have implemented measures to address internet use among minors.

Under Lacson’s bill, platforms shall take “reasonable steps and age verification measures to prevent age-restricted users from registering, accessing, or continuing to use their social media service,” as per Manila Bulletin’s report.

Furthermore, personal information gathered by social media platforms or third-party service providers to implement age verification methods is subject to the terms of the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and applicable laws.

News, photos or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, such could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable to almost everyone who get to read about the stories online.

As previously reported by KAMI, Sen. Risa Hontiveros has addressed the alleged fake video of former Senate witness Michael Maurilio, alias “Rene.” Hontiveros said in a statement that she would personally go to the NBI to file a complaint against the people behind the video. The lady senator also aired a fiery message to the people behind the video, saying they “have crossed the line.” In the said video, Maurilio claimed he was paid by the senator to give a false testimony against Kingdom of Jesus Christ Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and Vice President Sara Duterte.

In another report, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto announced he will not run for any political position in the 2028 elections during his inaugural address. He said the early declaration frees him and allows him to focus fully on doing what he believes is right during his final term. Sotto is now serving his third and final consecutive term as mayor, the maximum allowed by the Constitution. He reaffirmed his commitment to pursue reforms and policies for Pasig regardless of political consequences or popularity. His term as mayor will end in mid-2028, and until then, he vows to govern with independence and integrity—“malaya” to do what he believes is right for Pasig.

Source: KAMI.com.gh