DICT Chief Supports Bill Requiring Legislative Franchise for Major Social Media Platforms

 

Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda has backed a proposed measure that would place major social media platforms under a legislative franchise requirement before they can operate in the Philippines.

Aguda said the proposal should be viewed in the context of the enormous influence digital platforms now exercise over public communication, safety, commerce, and national discourse. He made the remarks during a press conference on September 24.

The proposal is contained in House Bill No. 4786, filed by Quezon 2nd District Rep. David Suarez on September 23. The measure seeks to amend Commonwealth Act No. 146, or the Public Service Act, by recognizing covered social media platforms as public services of significant public consequence.

Under the proposed framework, major platforms would need to secure a congressional franchise, placing them alongside industries such as broadcasting, telecommunications, and electric utilities that operate under franchise-based regulatory arrangements.

Aguda pointed to the existing obligations imposed on traditional broadcasters as a basis for examining comparable standards for dominant online platforms. Broadcasters are subject to franchise requirements, taxation, and regulatory rules governing their operations and content.

The DICT chief argued that platforms with extensive reach and substantial commercial influence should likewise face appropriate public-interest obligations.

The proposed legislation describes major social media services as having characteristics associated with critical infrastructure because of their influence over national security, public discourse, and economic activity. It specifically cites the rapid distribution of misinformation and the platforms' role in everyday social and economic interactions as reasons for stronger government oversight.

The issue gained renewed attention after the September 18 shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato. Authorities linked the 16-year-old suspect to online networks associated with nihilistic violent extremism, with interactions reportedly taking place through platforms including Discord and TikTok.

The incident has intensified discussions over how Philippine authorities can respond to harmful online activity while maintaining access to legitimate digital services.

Digital advocate Ronald Gustilo, convenor of Digital Pinoys, said the proposed franchise requirement warrants careful examination. He noted that congressional franchises are difficult to obtain and that imposing such a requirement on social media companies could establish a regulatory approach with implications beyond the Philippines.

Rather than simply restricting platform operations, Gustilo said the government should develop mechanisms that compel compliance while allowing technology companies to maintain their presence and services in the country.

The debate comes as the government also moves toward closer coordination with individual platforms. On September 24, Aguda announced the lifting of the ban on Discord following commitments from the platform.

Digital Pinoys welcomed the development, emphasizing that direct communication between technology companies and Philippine authorities could improve responses to cybercrime, cybersecurity threats, and online safety concerns.

The group said establishing clear government coordination channels and a local point of contact could allow authorities to address legitimate concerns more quickly and efficiently.

The developments underscore a broader regulatory question facing the Philippines: how government oversight can keep pace with platforms whose reach increasingly resembles that of traditional public communication infrastructure, while preserving access to legitimate digital services and online communities.