MANILA – Under a new pact with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Meta has committed to improving its systems for detecting, reporting, and removing disinformation and inappropriate content on Facebook.

The landmark agreement, announced Wednesday, requires Meta to act faster on child exploitation content, immediately notify local authorities of such posts, and remove them from the platform.

Financial scams, including fake investment schemes spread via deepfakes of public officials, business leaders, and celebrities, will also be closely monitored and removed. The agreement further covers phishing operations, digital fraud, and reputation-tarnishing deepfakes affecting public servants, business leaders, and private individuals.

“Your kids, your money, and your reputation are now better protected on Facebook,” the DICT said. “Walang compromise sa online safety ng Pilipino. Period.”

However, the statement did not clarify how content will be flagged or who will determine whether posts are misleading or false.

Meta had announced in early 2025 the end of its third-party fact-checking program, replacing it with a community notes system amid concerns over bias among partner organizations. During congressional hearings in April 2025, the company said the change would first take effect in the United States, with no timeline for global implementation.

As part of the compromise, Meta agreed to assist in crafting local regulations governing social media platforms to address disinformation.

Several lawmakers in the 20th Congress have refiled bills aiming to penalize users who create and spread false content online. Civil society groups and disinformation experts have cautioned that such measures could infringe on free speech and risk censorship. The bills remain under committee deliberation.