Philippines demands action from Meta over 'false and panic-inducing' content

The Philippine government has issued a formal directive to Meta Platforms, calling on the social media giant to implement immediate measures to curb the spread of “false, misleading, and panic-inducing” content across its platforms, as reported by government-owned Philippine News Agency.

In a joint statement, the Presidential Communications Office and the department of information and communications technology said they had identified false information on pressing issues such as oil prices, economic disruptions, and government actions, which “poses a direct and escalating threat to public order, economic confidence, and national security.“

Authorities also flagged content falsely alleging illness, incapacity, and even death among top officials, alongside deceptive claims about military operations and disruptions to financial systems. The government warned that such narratives risk fuelling public panic and undermining trust in key institutions.

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In an April 10 letter addressed to Mark Zuckerberg, officials gave the company a seven-day deadline to submit a detailed response plan outlining how it will tackle the issue. Failure to take prompt and sufficient action could compel the government to consider appropriate regulatory and legal measures.

The government further stressed that the spread of disinformation violates provisions under the country’s penal code and cybercrime laws, urging Meta Platforms to strengthen detection, speed up takedowns, establish round-the-clock coordination, and improve transparency on enforcement.

The move signals increasing regulatory scrutiny in the region, where governments are placing greater accountability on tech platforms to manage content risks. Some countries also move to restrict or ban social media access for users under 16 across multiple platforms.

Previously, the Philippines declared a national energy emergency, underscoring how misinformation around critical sectors such as power supply can heighten public anxiety and economic vulnerability. 

This is particularly significant in the Philippines, one of Meta Platforms’ largest and most active markets, where Facebook remains a primary gateway to news, information, and even government updates for millions. The country counts around 109 million Facebook users, reaching roughly 90% of the population.

“The Philippines is currently confronting heightened economic and public vulnerability driven by the ongoing global oil crisis. Rising fuel costs and increasing prices of essential goods have materially heightened public sensitivity to information related to economic stability and government response,” the letter added.

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