The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) is studying a possible ban on Facebook and other Meta platforms in the Philippines. Executive Director Undersecretary Renato Paraiso said the agency has the capability to block the sites, citing concerns over misinformation and child protection.
Paraiso mentioned this in an interview on DZMM Teleradyo, where he discussed the role social media and gaming platforms had in the Zamboanga school shooting incident. He explained that while banning Facebook and other Meta apps is an option, it would carry major social and political implications.
He stressed that platforms should set up offices in the country, considering how large the markets are here. This would allow these platforms to quickly act on requests of local agencies and enforce compliance with Philippine laws.
The CICC is also studying messaging platforms as part of its review. In a Senate hearing, Paraiso asked lawmakers to give Philippine authorities jurisdiction over social media, messaging, gaming, and streaming platforms. He said current limits make it hard to trace threats and protect kids from violent content since many platforms operate outside the country and rely only on their own rules.
The agency pointed to past cases where platforms resisted but later complied. Paraiso cited Roblox as an example, saying the gaming platform eventually followed Philippine guidelines after initial pushback.
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At this stage, no final decision has been made on whether Facebook or other Meta platforms will be blocked. The CICC continues to review its options and possible next steps. If pursued, the move would mark one of the strongest actions by the government against global tech platforms.
