Philippines: Bill Regulating the Use of Social Media Platforms by Minors including age verification requirement was introduced to Senate

On 2 July 2025, Bill Regulating the Use of Social Media Platforms by Minors (Bill No. 40), including age verification requirements, was introduced to the Senate. The Bill prohibits minors under 18 from using social media platforms and requires platforms to implement age verification systems, such as ID checks or facial recognition, to restrict their access. Platforms must audit accounts, respond to reports of underage users, and ensure that all personal data collected for verification complies with the Data Privacy Act. Platforms that fail to comply may face administrative fines ranging from PHP 1 million to PHP 20 million per violation, daily fines of up to PHP 100’000 for ongoing breaches, and even suspension or revocation of access or licences in the Philippines. Internet service providers that fail to enforce takedown orders can be fined PHP 300’000 to PHP 3 million and may face suspension or revocation of permits for repeated non-compliance. Third-party age verification providers may be fined PHP 500’000 to PHP 5 million for breaches of data privacy or failure to meet verification standards and may be permanently banned for gross negligence or misconduct. These penalties are without prejudice to further civil or criminal liability under laws such as the Data Privacy Act and the Cybercrime Prevention Act.