DICT warns Meta over fake news response: “Not enough”

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has raised concerns over Meta’s response to the Philippine government’s request for stronger action against fake news, saying the measures outlined are not enough to meet the urgency of the situation.

Why it Matters: The government’s latest statement signals a more assertive stance on platform accountability, as online disinformation continues to impact public order, trust in institutions, and economic stability in the Philippines.

The response from Meta comes after a joint request by the DICT, Department of Justice, and Presidential Communications Office calling for immediate and enhanced steps to curb harmful disinformation across its platforms.

The DICT said that while Meta highlighted its current policies and ongoing efforts, these fall short of the specific, time-bound actions being requested. The agency stressed that existing frameworks are not enough to address the speed and scale at which false information spreads today.

Below is the full statement from the DICT:

We received a letter from Meta in response to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Presidential Communications Office (PCO)’s joint request for immediate and enhanced measures to address the spread of harmful disinformation on its platforms.

We acknowledge Meta’s response, which highlights the measures they are implementing to curb the spread of harmful disinformation on their platforms and their continued engagement with the Philippine Government. However, the interventions highlighted in their reply fall short of directly addressing the urgency of the situation and the specific, time-bound actions we have requested.

At a time when false and misleading information can trigger real-world harm that can affect public order and economic stability, we find the general descriptions of existing policies, as underscored in their reply, insufficient. The Philippine government underscores its commitment to combating disinformation while upholding the public’s right to accurate information and holding those who spread lies accountable as part of the Government’s Kontra Fake News Campaign.

We need clear commitments, faster enforcement mechanisms, and measurable outcomes aligned with the risks we are facing today. The Philippine Government remains firmly committed to upholding freedom of expression. However, this freedom does not extend to the deliberate spread of false information that can cause public panic, undermine trust in institutions, or threaten public order.

The DICT will hold a meeting with Meta to push for concrete, time-bound actions to better protect Filipinos online. If these discussions do not result in meaningful improvements, the government will not hesitate to pursue stronger regulatory and enforcement measures.

Hindi tayo titigil hanggang sa masiguro nating ligtas ang digital space ng bawat Pilipino. Tuloy-tuloy ang Digital Bayanihan tungo sa isang Bagong Pilipinas!

Following the statement, the DICT confirmed it will engage Meta in further discussions aimed at securing clearer commitments, faster enforcement, and measurable results. It also warned that failure to deliver meaningful improvements could lead to stronger regulatory action.

This development builds on earlier efforts by the government to push for tighter coordination with Meta, including improved moderation systems and more responsive interventions during critical situations.

Will Meta adjust its approach, or will this escalate into stricter regulation of social media platforms in the Philippines?