[OPINION] Disinformation in PH: Do we need EU-style regulations to counter Meta policies?

In the Philippines, disinformation has emerged as a serious threat to democratic processes, with social media platforms, particularly Meta (Facebook), playing a central role in spreading misleading narratives and manipulating public opinion.

Recently, the Philippines’ House of Representatives held hearings to address this growing challenge, where lawmakers discussed potential measures to curb the impact of “fake news” on the country’s political and social landscape.

Considering that Congress’s primary role is to draft legislation, it may be beneficial to look to Europe for inspiration, especially regarding the Digital Services Act (DSA). 

This regulation, adopted by the European Union in 2022, sets a robust precedent by holding tech platforms accountable for harmful content, and could serve as a model for crafting similar policies in the Philippines. Given the pervasive role of social media in the country’s political culture, it is crucial that lawmakers consider the complexities involved in regulating disinformation while ensuring a balanced approach that safeguards both public discourse and freedom of expression.

Facebook remains the dominant platform in the Philippines, with over 80 million users, many of whom rely on it as their primary source of news. Meta’s platforms, driven by algorithms designed to maximize engagement, often amplify sensational and misleading content, regardless of its veracity. This has led to an ecosystem where misinformation is commonplace. The 2022 presidential elections saw a resurgence of disinformation, with widespread misinformation campaigns targeting not just political candidates but also historical narratives. 

A Pulse Asia survey from 2022 found that 86% of its respondents believed “fake news” to be a problem in the country. Yet, there are few systems in place to regulate the information ecosystem on social media. The question arises: Do we need EU-style regulations, like DSA, to counter Meta’s policies and curb the growing threat of disinformation?

Ambitious effort

The EU regulation, which was adopted in 2022, represents one of the most ambitious efforts globally to hold tech companies accountable for the content they host. The DSA imposes strict requirements on platforms, mandating greater transparency, rigorous content moderation, and stronger safeguards against harmful online content.

One of the key provisions of the DSA is that platforms must disclose how their algorithms work and the criteria used to recommend content. This would theoretically prevent the amplification of false or harmful content based purely on engagement metrics. The law also mandates that platforms take swift action to remove illegal content, with penalties for non-compliance.

The DSA is seen as a significant step toward addressing the disinformation crisis. It places responsibility squarely on tech giants like Meta to ensure that their platforms do not contribute to societal harm. Early reports suggest that the framework is having a measurable impact, with platforms increasingly transparent about their moderation practices and more responsive to problematic content. In 2024, the EU launched an investigation into X (formerly Twitter), accusing the platform of misleading users with its $8 blue checkmarks and failing to meet transparency rules under the Digital Services Act.

If the company doesn’t address these issues, it could face significant penalties, as regulators continue to probe its ad practices and effectiveness in combating harmful content. TikTok, Facebook, and e-commerce site AliExpress are also facing ongoing DSA investigations.

Brazil example

Meanwhile, Brazil is developing its own “Fake News Bill,” taking inspiration from the EU model. This new legislation aims to curb the spread of misinformation by imposing similar transparency and accountability requirements on social media platforms operating in the country.

The question now is whether the Philippines could — and should — adopt similar regulations to combat disinformation. The Philippines shares many of the same challenges as Europe when it comes to social media manipulation. The country has a vibrant, online-driven political culture, and social media platforms are important vehicles for political discourse.

However, there are key differences that make the implementation of EU-style regulations more complex in the Philippine context.

First, the regulatory environment in the Philippines is far less robust than in the EU. The country’s legal system struggles to keep pace with the rapidly evolving digital landscape, and existing laws on online content are often vague or poorly enforced. While the government has taken some steps to combat disinformation, the overall regulatory framework remains underdeveloped.

Second, the political climate in the Philippines complicates matters. With social media being used as a tool by both political elites and grassroots movements, regulation could easily be politicized. Efforts to curb disinformation could be perceived as an infringement on free speech or as a mechanism for controlling political opposition. The Philippines also has a highly polarized political environment, and any regulatory initiative could be met with resistance from factions that benefit from the current ecosystem of misinformation.

Lastly, there are practical challenges related to the enforcement of such regulations. The Philippines faces significant barriers in terms of digital literacy, internet infrastructure, and the capacity to monitor online content effectively. Without strong institutional support and a clear regulatory framework, any attempt to adopt EU-style regulations could be rendered ineffective.

Given these challenges, it might not be feasible to follow the European solution. However, there are other, more localized approaches that could prove equally effective. Strengthening local fact-checking organizations and promoting digital literacy could go a long way in building a more informed electorate.

Tech companies could also be asked to develop country-specific content moderation policies, tailored to the unique challenges of the Philippine political landscape. Moreover, public education campaigns and collaborations with international partners could help create a more resilient and informed public. – Rappler.com

Dr. Manuel R. Enverga III  is Jean Monnet Chair and Director of the European Studies Program of the Ateneo de Manila University. His teaching and research has focused on a diverse set of topics, which include European politics, online culture, and digital diplomacy. Outside of his academic work, he hosts The Eurospeak Podcast, where he invites guests to discuss European cultural influences on global popular culture.