Aguda backs tighter accountability for digital giants with massive reach and influence
By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda has backed a proposed measure that would require major social media and online platforms to secure congressional franchises before operating in the Philippines.
Aguda said the move is warranted by the enormous reach and influence of digital platforms, drawing a comparison between their operations and those of traditional broadcasters that are already subject to franchise and regulatory requirements.
The DICT chief said it would be difficult to justify imposing strict standards on broadcasters while leaving major digital platforms outside a comparable framework.
“Parang unfair naman na hindi i-require yung same standards from others na kung tutuusin mas malaki ang kita, mas malaki ang reach. Di ba?” Aguda said.
The proposal is contained in House Bill No. 4786, filed by Quezon 2nd District Rep. David Suarez on September 23.
The measure seeks to amend the Public Service Act by classifying covered social media platforms as “public services of significant public consequence,” subjecting them to a congressional franchise requirement.
The bill cites the platforms’ extensive reach, market dominance and potential impact on national security, public discourse and the socio-economic activities of Filipinos as reasons for establishing a stronger regulatory framework.
The proposed legislation has drawn attention following the September 18 shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato, where authorities linked the 16-year-old suspect to online communities described as involving nihilistic violent extremism.
Digital Pinoys convenor Ronald Gustilo, however, urged authorities to carefully examine the franchise proposal, noting the difficulty of securing a congressional franchise and the broader implications of applying such a requirement to global technology companies.
Gustilo said the government should develop mechanisms that compel platforms to comply with Philippine laws while allowing them to maintain legitimate operations in the country.
The debate over greater accountability for online platforms came as Aguda announced the lifting of the ban on Discord following commitments made by the platform.
Digital Pinoys welcomed Discord’s commitments to improve coordination with Philippine authorities, particularly on concerns involving cybercrime, cybersecurity and online safety.
The group said establishing clear government coordination channels and a local point of contact could allow legitimate concerns to be addressed more quickly.
The proposed franchise requirement now moves the question of digital accountability into the legislative arena, as Congress weighs whether platforms with vast public reach should be placed under a regulatory framework traditionally applied to other essential communication services.
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