The House of Representatives has summoned Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to appear at a congressional hearing on social media safety, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said Wednesday.
In a Facebook post, the DICT said lawmakers are expected to discuss the spread of harmful online content, the accountability of social media platforms, and possible measures to better protect Filipinos in digital spaces.
“The House of Representatives of the Philippines has called on Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to face the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) during a House hearing on social media safety,” the agency said.
The development comes after the House deferred consideration of the proposed more than ₱19-billion budget of the DICT and its attached agencies for next year following discussions on online safety, digital scams, and platform accountability.
DICT Secretary Henry R. Aguda, meanwhile, said the department submits to the House’s exercise of its oversight function.
The DICT said issues involving Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) are grave threats that require decisive action and accountability.
The agency also cited other persistent harms linked to or amplified by major online platforms, including illegal online gambling, cyberbullying, social media addiction, depression, and related mental health risks affecting children and young people.
“With the enormous scale and reach of its services comes a corresponding obligation to implement effective, measurable safeguards, remove harmful content promptly, and cooperate fully and transparently with Philippine authorities,” the DICT said.
“Accountability cannot be optional,” it added.
The DICT also stressed that the safety and welfare of Filipino children should remain a priority, saying technology companies operating in the Philippines must meet high standards of responsibility.
The agency said it will continue working with Congress, law enforcement agencies, child protection advocates, and technology partners to strengthen child online protection measures and promote a safe and secure digital environment.
“The protection of children is non-negotiable. All stakeholders, especially the largest platforms, must be held fully accountable,” the DICT said.
