Bill filed to update, strengthen child online protection

A SENATOR has filed a measure to strengthen the protection of children against sexual exploitation online. Senator Risa N. Hontiveros-Baraquel filed Senate Bill No. 2068, which aims to amend Republic Act No. 9775 or Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009 and RA No. 9995 or the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009. Ms. Baraquel said the current laws covering online sexual abuse and exploitation were “outdated” and “are not responsive to the protection needed by children using the internet.” The bill proposes treatments and penalties for unlawful acts constituting virtual abuse. She added that this will also strengthen government institutions, regulate industry players, and provide structures and services on the aftercare and reintegration of the victims. The senator noted that the Philippines has been considered as “one of the top sources of child abuse material” worldwide, citing a study by the International Justice Mission in 2020. About 43.7% of children aged 13 to 17 have experienced violence online, according to the UNICEF study in 2016, the proposed law’ explanatory note read. Under the bill, hiring and using children to create any form of abuse and exploitation online, conspiracy to commit such, production and direction and streaming of these contents are prohibited.