Google and YouTube have launched several features ahead of the 2025 Philippine midterm elections to help voters access reliable information online. As more Filipinos search for election-related content on Google and YouTube, both platforms are working to guide users to trusted sources while preventing misinformation.
Why it matters: These efforts aim to support voters with accessible, accurate election information and prevent content that could mislead or harm the democratic process.
YouTube will now display an information panel above search results when users look up senatorial candidates. The panel includes basic details such as party affiliation and a link to learn more via Google Search. On May 12, YouTube’s homepage will highlight live election coverage from verified news organizations in both English and Filipino. YouTube will also promote the Commission on Elections’ (COMELEC) “How to vote” playlist to help Filipinos prepare for election day.
Google Search, on the other hand, continues to use its ranking systems to prioritize trustworthy sources when users look up election-related queries.
Protecting platforms from abuse
Google and YouTube say their existing safety policies apply to all users and content types, including political material. YouTube’s Community Guidelines prohibit content that misleads voters or interferes with elections. Content promoting violence, hate, or conspiracy theories is also removed quickly. From October to December 2024, the Philippines ranked 8th globally in terms of videos removed for violating YouTube policies, totaling over 153,000 takedowns.
Addressing AI-generated content
YouTube now requires creators to label synthetic or altered content. For election-related material, these labels are shown directly on the video player. On Search, Google provides tools like “About this Image” and Gemini’s double-check feature to verify visual content and claims.
Google also embeds digital watermarks in AI-generated images through its SynthID tool developed with DeepMind. The company is working with industry partners under the C2PA standard to improve transparency and metadata in AI content across platforms including YouTube, Search, and Ads.
Media partnerships and voter education
Google is also supporting journalists through AI workshops, helping newsrooms explore responsible uses of AI in reporting. Additionally, the company is promoting media literacy by partnering with groups like CANVAS to produce the YOUTHink magazine, published in Filipino, Cebuano, and Ilocano.
The company will not run political ads during the election period. Instead, it is supporting COMELEC directly with training sessions and tools to help officials report and escalate problematic content on YouTube.
Yves Gonzalez, Head of Public Policy and Government Relations at Google Philippines, said the company is committed to working with government, civil society, and media groups to support safe and informed elections. COMELEC Chairperson George Garcia thanked Google for its efforts, saying they help empower voters with reliable online resources.
What are your thoughts on tech platforms playing a more active role in shaping election information?
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