Altermidya – People’s Alternative Media Network opposes legislative proposals to regulate social media content in the name of combating fake news and disinformation. While disinformation is a pressing issue, government regulation of expression is more often wielded against critics, journalists, and human rights defenders rather than those truly responsible for manipulating public discourse.
The Philippines does not need additional laws that could be weaponized against critical voices and dissidents. Existing legal mechanisms already address threats to public safety, such as, but not limited to, incitement to violence, and harmful speech. If anything, the country could use more legislation that strengthens free expression and press freedom.
As seen in the continued misuse of cyberlibel under the Anti-Cybercrime Law, however, these laws are frequently exploited to silence dissent rather than to curb actual harm.
While it is true that disinformation is spread mostly by reckless individuals or by those in power who want to distort the truth for political gain, the solution does not lie in granting the State more control over online speech. In a political system where the administration of government is limited to political elites, such regulatory measures will inevitably be used selectively—shielding allies of those in power while targeting their opponents.
If there is one lesson to be drawn from recent history, it is that any attempt to regulate online expression will not protect democracy but will instead threaten press freedom and free expression, exacerbating the very problems it claims to solve.
Instead of state control, what is needed is greater transparency, media literacy, and public accountability—principles that empower the people rather than restrict their rights. The fight against disinformation should not come at the expense of fundamental freedoms.#
