The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) is pushing for increased regulatory oversight over online streaming platforms. The agency, which currently lacks jurisdiction over this sector, is pushing for more effective content control mechanisms.
MTRCB Chairperson Lala Sotto-Antonio highlighted the need for regulation during a Senate hearing on the agency’s proposed budget for 2025. She acknowledged the challenges in reviewing and classifying each piece of content before its release. Sotto-Antonio explained that the task is beyond the MTRCB’s mandate and purview, and is “not humanly possible” due to limited manpower and the sheer volume of content.
Vivamax was also brought up during the discussion. Known for its growing library of adult content, it is one of the topics of concern for parents. The MTRCB said it has already engaged in talks with the owners.
In response, Vivamax has added safety measures such as PIN codes to limit access to the app and released a separate app, Vivaone, for more mainstream entertainment.
However, the agency remains concerned about the impact of such content on the general public. Meanwhile, a Senate panel has approved a bill, which aims to expand the scope of MTRCB to include online streaming services.
