MANILA – The government is exploring several new approaches to address the issue of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSEAC).
During a media briefing on Safer Internet Day 2024, Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesperson Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano revealed that one of the measures under consideration involves collaborating with money services businesses (MSBs) to identify and flag transactions used to subscribe to and purchase online footage and images depicting the abuse of minors.
Additionally, Department of Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary Emmeline Villar mentioned that they are working closely with social media platforms to modify their systems, possibly using artificial intelligence, to restrict access to potentially harmful websites and content.
The officials noted the participation of social media giants such as Meta and TikTok in ongoing discussions aimed at eradicating such content.
Clavano emphasized the need for adjustments, citing that the current threshold amounts in the Anti-Money Laundering Act are significantly higher than the sums typically involved in online transactions related to OSEAC, which can be as low as PHP50 per photo.
Studies indicate that consumers of illicit content are predominantly males from the United States, Europe, and Australia.
“There are also CSAEM (child sexual abuse or exploitation materials) platforms na PHP300 pa lang, makakapag-subscribe ka na sa mga video. ‘Yung sa Telegram naman it can go as low as PHP50 (There are platforms where you can get CSAEM videos for a subscription fee of PHP300. In the online messaging application Telegram, you can go as low as PHP50),” Clavano said.
Clavano also mentioned that discussions are underway with remittance and virtual wallet platforms.
“Meron na tayong ginagawang consultation and dialogue with money service businesses na hindi pa covered sa (We are already conducting consultations and dialogue with the money service businesses which are not yet covered by the) Anti-Money Laundering Act,” he said.
DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla stated that the government is fully committed to waging an all-out war against online abusers.
Remulla praised the National Coordination Center Against Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM) and other public and private partners for leading the successful observance of Safer Internet Day this year.
“Your dedication and unwavering commitment to this noble cause truly deserve deepest appreciation,” Remulla said.
He reiterated the department’s dedication to pursue “cyber predators” and safeguard Filipinos in the digital realm.
“We are watching your every move,” he added.
Proclamation 417, authorized by former president Rodrigo Duterte in 2018, designated the second Tuesday of February each year as Safer Internet Day for Children Philippines. This proclamation serves as a continual reminder that everyone must actively participate in protecting children from all types of abuse and exploitation and strive to create a safer online environment.
The NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM operates as a subsidiary entity of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, chaired by Secretary Remulla, and overseen by DOJ Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty as the Undersecretary-in-Charge.
