Philippines: Introduced Anti-False Content on the Internet Act (HB 07579)

On 14 March 2023, the Anti-False Content on the Internet Act was introduced to the Philippine House of Representatives, penalising the publication and proliferation of false content on the Internet. The Act would target messaging service providers, online advertising providers, and platform intermediaries that host user-generated content. It would establish specific punishable actions, including knowingly creating and disseminating misleading content, the use of fictitious accounts for such purposes, and non-compliance with counteractive measures outlined in the Act. Further, the Act would introduce a registration requirement for social media accounts, mandating users to provide proof of identity, and would set forth penalties for violations, including imprisonment and fines. The Department of Justice's Cybercrime Office is tasked with issuing orders to correct, remove, or block access to false content. The Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation will enforce these provisions.