Philippines: Competition Commission published market study examining intersection of competition policy and data privacy in social media and search platforms

On 20 February 2026, the Philippine Competition Commission published a market study examining the intersection between competition policy and data privacy on social media and search platforms. The study found that both markets exhibit high levels of concentration, with major established platforms benefiting from extensive and consolidated datasets across integrated services. Examples of such platforms include Meta’s Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, as well as Google’s Gmail, Maps, and YouTube. It notes that control over user data, combined with network effects and ecosystem integration, may reinforce market positions, raise barriers to entry and limit switching options. It also highlights the prevalence of "take-it-or-leave-it" privacy terms, which may weaken user bargaining power. Survey results suggest that many users underestimate the risks associated with data collection, tracking and third-party sharing, partly due to the ubiquity of platforms and the limited number of alternatives available. While identifying data portability and interoperability as potentially pro-competitive tools, the study cautions that poorly governed implementation could increase the risk of misuse and data breaches. It also identifies cross-border data flows as a regulatory challenge, given the differences in privacy regimes and enforcement capacities. The Commission recommends integrating data privacy considerations more systematically into competition assessments, exploring policy options relating to portability and interoperability, and strengthening international cooperation on data mobility. It also recommends enhancing coordination with domestic regulators, including the National Privacy Commission.