National ID requirement pushed to check age for social media accounts

MANILA – The National ID could become the mandatory first line of age verification for Filipinos opening social media accounts under proposed amendments to a measure protecting minors from online harm.

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson proposed that the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) replace less definitive methods as the primary proof of a user's age.

“I-simplify natin at gamitin natin ang National ID... Ang panukala ko, pagdating sa period of amendments, gawin nating must ang basis, gawin natin ang National ID o ano ang backup ID na pwedeng gamitin para documented (Let us simplify the process and use the National ID. During the period of amendments, I will propose that we use the National ID or a backup ID as a required and documented basis),” Lacson said.

Senate Bill (SB) 2424, or the proposed Child Online Safety and Protection Act, currently contemplates several age-assurance methods, including users declaring their own age, third-party verification, and artificial intelligence-based age estimation.

Lacson warned that giving platforms several discretionary options could create loopholes and complicate enforcement.

“Pag naglatag tayo ng discretion maglilikha tayo ng butas... upang paikutan ang pagpapatupad ng batas na ito (If we allow discretion, we will allow loopholes that could be used to circumvent the implementation of this law),” he said.

He proposed making the National ID the required baseline while leaving social media companies free to employ additional verification methods.

Lacson noted that the Philippine Statistics Authority has reported National ID registration covering about 96 percent of the population.

SB 2424 would prohibit children below 16 from registering on social media platforms, while those aged 16 to below 18 would be allowed access subject to age-assurance requirements and child-safety protocols.

Lacson, however, floated another amendment that would maintain restrictions until age 18 and use the two senior high school (SHS) years to equip students with social media and digital literacy skills.

“Hindi ba mas (Would it not be more) coherent to maintain the restriction throughout the age of minority and use the two SHS years for structured social media and digital literacy education so they understand the risks of social media before gaining unrestricted access at 18?” he said.

He also proposed giving the Department of Information and Communications Technology a stronger enforcement role, including quasi-judicial powers to determine liability and impose administrative penalties. (PNA)