Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla Pushes for Social Media Accountability Act
Cavite, Philippines – Cavite Representative Lani Mercado-Revilla has filed the Social Media Accountability Act (House Bill 7300), a landmark measure seeking to establish the Social Media Accountability Council (SMAC) under the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
The proposed council will serve as an oversight body tasked with ensuring transparency, accountability, and safety across social media platforms operating in the country.
Safeguarding Users and Promoting Responsible Digital Practices
The bill aims to:
– Set clear safety standards for social media platforms.
– Review and monitor the business practices of social media companies.
– Guarantee the protection of users, especially children and vulnerable sectors.
Mercado-Revilla emphasized that the measure is not intended to suppress freedom of expression but to ensure that platforms prioritize the welfare of users over profit.
> “This is about accountability and responsibility. We must make sure that social media companies do not put profit above the safety and well-being of our people,” Mercado-Revilla stated.
Enforcement Powers
Under the proposed law, the SMAC will be empowered to:
– Conduct investigations into violations of safety and accountability standards.
– Impose penalties and sanctions on erring platforms.
– Levy fines of up to ₱10 million against violators.
Towards a Safer Digital Space
Mercado-Revilla underscored that the creation of SMAC is a proactive step toward building a safer, more responsible digital environment for Filipinos.
“This initiative is about protecting our citizens, especially the youth, from harmful online practices while ensuring that social media remains a space for free expression, innovation, and community building,” she added.
The Social Media Accountability Act is now under deliberation in Congress, with hopes of garnering broad support from lawmakers, civil society, and digital rights advocates.
