Group warns against blanket ban on social media

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MANILA, Philippines — A consumer advocacy group warned lawmakers that the proposed blanket ban on minors’ access to social media could expose young users to greater online risks rather than protect them, urging lawmakers to pursue more targeted regulation instead.

CitizenWatch Philippines said broad restrictions may fail to reflect how minors actually behave online, cautioning that such policies could drive them toward less regulated digital spaces where safeguards or protection are weaker and oversight is limited.

The group’s co-convenor, former Quezon City lawmaker Kit Belmonte, stressed that while protecting children online is a legitimate goal, a total ban is “not the right solution” to the complex risks facing young internet users today.

“It may overlook important nuances, create unintended consequences and fail to address the real sources of harm. Protecting minors online should not mean excluding them from the digital world,” Belmonte said.

At least 15 measures in Congress, 10 in the House of Representatives and five in the Senate, are currently proposing restrictions or outright bans on minors’ social media use, drawing inspiration from policies implemented in countries such as Indonesia and Australia.

However, CitizenWatch warned that enforcement challenges and behavioral realities could undermine the effectiveness of such proposals. 

According to the group, minors are highly adaptive and may easily bypass restrictions through virtual private networks (VPNs), falsified identities, or migration to alternative platforms.

“Young users are highly adaptive in digital spaces. If access is restricted on mainstream platforms, some may simply migrate to channels that are harder for parents, platforms, and regulators to monitor. That may risk displacing harm rather than reducing it,” he added.

He emphasized that pushing minors into less visible corners of the internet could increase their exposure to cyberbullying, predatory behavior, scams, and explicit content.

The group also raised concerns about the broader implications of a ban on the digital ecosystem. It noted that social media platforms are deeply integrated into everyday life, serving not only as channels for entertainment but also as tools for education, communication, and economic activity. Restricting access could therefore impact not only users but also businesses that rely on digital engagement, including small online sellers and content creators.

Belmonte further questioned the government’s capacity to enforce a nationwide ban, particularly in compelling compliance from global technology companies that may not have a substantial presence in the Philippines.

“How the government ensures compliance across global platforms is a serious implementation question that deserves careful study,” he said.

The proposed measures could also require stringent age verification systems, potentially involving sensitive personal data such as government-issued identification or biometric information. CitizenWatch warned that such requirements may introduce new privacy risks for families and minors.

“Any regulatory model must be workable not only in principle, but also in practice,” Belmonte said, highlighting the need for policies that are both technically feasible and sustainable over time.

Instead of blanket bans, the group is advocating for a “balanced, proportionate regulation” framework that focuses on strengthening child safety standards while preserving access to the benefits of digital participation.

Proposed measures include safer default settings for minors, stronger parental controls, improved reporting mechanisms, and enhanced enforcement of data privacy and consumer protection laws. Digital literacy education was also identified as a key component in helping young users navigate online risks responsibly.

“The shared objective is to keep minors safe online. The most effective path is thoughtful regulation that protects children, empowers families and implements responsibly,” Belmonte added.

Global child rights experts, including the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, have similarly emphasized that online safety measures should reduce exposure to harm without eliminating the opportunities that digital platforms provide to young people.

CitizenWatch maintained that a more nuanced approach is necessary, one that balances protection with participation in a digital environment increasingly central to education, livelihood, and social connection.

As Congress deliberates on the proposed measures, the group urged lawmakers to prioritize solutions that address root causes of online harm while avoiding policies that may unintentionally place minors at greater risk. (Contributed story)