Quezon Representative Pushes Bill Seeking Online Content Restrictions for Minors
A proposed bill seeking to restrict online content for minors is being pushed in Congress to make the internet safer for children.
Jayjay Suarez is pushing a proposed measure aiming to make the internet safer for children. The bill is gaining attention in Congress. The proposed Digital Safety of Minors Act, also known as House Bill 9825, seeks to place restrictions on the online content that can be accessed by minors.
The measure is designed to create a safer digital environment for children while still allowing them to enjoy the educational and social benefits of technology. Rather than limiting access to the internet itself, the proposal focuses on ensuring that online platforms provide age-appropriate experiences for young users.
Under the bill, social media companies and online platforms would be required to introduce age-assurance systems when users create accounts. These systems are intended to help verify the age of users while also respecting their privacy. The goal is to prevent children from being exposed to content that may not be suitable for their age.
The proposal also includes safety-by-default settings for users aged 16 and 17. These settings would automatically activate privacy and protection features without requiring young users to adjust them manually.
In addition, the bill seeks to prohibit behavioral and targeted advertising aimed at users below 18 years old.
Supporters of the measure believe that online platforms should take greater responsibility for protecting children. They point out that many digital services benefit from the attention and activity of young users and should therefore help ensure their safety while using these platforms.
The bill also includes strict penalties for companies that fail to comply. Violators may face fines of up to P100 million and could even have their operations suspended or revoked in the country.
“However, these same platforms also expose our children to serious risks that can harm their mental health, development, and safety. This bill ensures we protect them from those risks without taking away the genuine benefits of the digital world,” Suarez said.
According to Suarez, the proposal follows similar online safety measures being implemented in countries such as Australia and Malaysia while remaining aligned with the Philippine Constitution and international commitments protecting children’s rights.