Manila, Philippines — The CLICK Partylist, led by its first nominee, Atty. Nick Conti, is calling for urgent policy changes that would shift the responsibility for curbing fake news and disinformation from social media users to the platforms themselves. As troll farms and false information increasingly shape public opinion, particularly during critical periods like elections, CLICK is advocating for stricter regulations to ensure that platforms actively monitor and control the spread of harmful content. Atty. Conti emphasized that if social media companies fail to self-regulate, government bodies such as the COMELEC, DICT, and CICC should step in, with the authority to impose penalties or even temporarily shut down platforms, following models used in other countries.
CLICK’s proposed policy argues that it is unjust to hold individuals solely accountable for the disinformation circulating online, especially when political opponents may create fake accounts and spread falsehoods, blaming innocent parties. Instead, platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, with their vast technological resources, should be required to implement more robust systems for detecting and eliminating harmful content. Atty. Conti outlined several measures, including mandatory partnerships with third-party fact-checkers, the use of artificial intelligence to identify troll accounts and bot-driven disinformation, and the publication of regular transparency reports on moderation efforts. Non-compliance by these platforms would allow the government to enforce sanctions, including fines and even platform shutdowns during critical election periods.
Atty. Conti underscored the growing influence of social media in shaping public discourse, stating, “These platforms cannot continue to operate with minimal accountability while their spaces are being used to spread disinformation that undermines our democracy. If they cannot meet the standards necessary to protect electoral integrity, the government must step in to safeguard the public.” He explained that the COMELEC, in partnership with the DICT and CICC, would be responsible for overseeing platform compliance through audits and content moderation assessments, particularly during election seasons.
The CLICK Partylist also emphasized the need for public awareness campaigns to educate Filipinos on how to identify fake news and avoid falling prey to online manipulation. “This is not just about regulating platforms; it’s about empowering the public. Everyone has a role in ensuring that the information circulating online is credible,” Conti added. He stressed that this policy is part of a broader effort to secure clean and fair elections in 2025, where social media will play a pivotal role.
With the 2025 elections fast approaching, CLICK Partylist is urging lawmakers and regulatory agencies to act swiftly in enacting these reforms, recognizing that the time to protect electoral integrity is now. Atty. Conti expressed confidence that the proposed regulations would balance free expression with responsible digital citizenship, ensuring that social media platforms become spaces for truth, not deception.
The CLICK Partylist (Computer Literacy Innovation Connectivity and Knowledge) is a political organization committed to promoting digital literacy, technological innovation, and equitable access to information. Through its initiatives, CLICK Partylist advocates for responsible digital citizenship, particularly in governance, education, and public participation.
