The Senate is reopening its inquiry into digital child safety on July 1 to scrutinize online radicalization among minors following a fatal school shooting in Tacloban City. 

Driven by the tragedy, the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality will investigate whether online platforms and gaming spaces actively fail to prevent the spread of violent content and the grooming of minors. 

This upcoming session builds directly on the committee's April 14 investigation into how digital spaces are being exploited to manipulate children into violence.

Committee Chairperson Senator Risa Hontiveros emphasized on June 23, that the probe will look into how online networks have turned into breeding grounds for brainwashing and radicalization. 

“Sa July 1, muli nating bubuksan ang pagdinig para alamin kung may papel ang mga online platforms sa pagkalat ng mararahas na ideya. Nagiging pugad ng mga grupong nambe-brainwash at nagra-radicalize sa mga bata.” Senator Hontiveros said.

Lawmakers are expanding their scope beyond violent extremism to address ongoing concerns regarding online sexual abuse, exploitation, and extortion targeting minors. 

The inquiry aims to establish whether tech giants are doing enough to police their environments or if they are letting corporate profits compromise user safety.

Hontiveros demanded accountability from Big Tech, asserting that platforms must be held liable if their systems facilitate the victimization of children. 

“Kung ginagamit ang internet para biktimahin ang mga bata, dapat may managot. Hindi pwedeng kita lang lagi ang iniisip ng Big Tech habang ang ating mga pamilya at paaralan ay nababalot ng trahedya.” Senator Hontiveros demanded.

The committee intends to determine whether current digital safeguards are sufficient to protect minors or if tougher legislative regulations are required. 

Ultimately, lawmakers are pressing authorities to enforce stricter online protections and intervene before another real-world tragedy occurs.

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