PH gov’t sees new measures vs. online child sexual abuse
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The government is exploring fresh approaches to stop online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSEAC).
Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesperson Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano elaborated on these strategies in a media briefing for Safer Internet Day 2024.
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The Philippine News Agency says one of these measures involves working with money services businesses (MSBs).
They will flag amounts used to transfer subscriptions and purchase online images and footage of abused minors.
Department of Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary Emmeline Villar said they are also working with social media platforms.
They will tweak these systems via artificial platforms to limit access to potentially harmful sites and contents.
The official said social media networks are participating in the ongoing discussion to root out such contents.
Clavano explained that the threshold amounts in the Anti-Money Laundering Act need adjustments.
The figures are substantially higher than the amounts typically circulating in OSEAC-related online transactions, which can go as low as ₱50 per photo.
“There are also CSAEM (child sexual abuse or exploitation materials) platforms na ₱300 pa lang, makakapag-subscribe ka na sa mga video,” he stated.
“Yung sa Telegram naman, it can go as low as P 50.”
(There are platforms where you can get CSAEM videos for a subscription fee of ₱300. In the online messaging application Telegram, you can go as low as ₱50.)
Moreover, he said the government is discussing with remittance and virtual wallet platforms regarding these new anti-CSAEM approaches.
DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the government is waging an all-out war against online sexual abuse.
“We are watching your every move,” he warned “cyber predators.”
In 2018, former President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation 417, which declares the second Tuesday of February as Safer Internet Day for Children.
