DOJ lauds Congress approval of Batang Ligtas Act vs. online abuse of children

The Department of Justice (DOJ) lauded Congress’ approval of the Batang Ligtas Act in Congress, which seeks to combat internet grooming and technology-facilitated sexual exploitation.  

When asked about concerns over the spread of nihilistic violent extremism (NVE), DOJ Assistant Secretary Michelle Lapuz said coverage of the measure was expanded to include inducement to commit violence. 

This is after recent incidents of school violence.

“Expanded na po ang coverage ng Batang Ligtas Act. Kasama po ‘yung inducement of children to commit violent acts. At ang tinutukoy po nito ay ‘yung napapabalita natin kamakailan lang– ‘yung string of violent incidents na nangyari po sa ating mga eskuwelahan sa iba’t ibang parte ng Pilipinas,” Lapuz said.

The proposed measure also includes provisions on age verification protocols for platforms, according to Lapuz.

“‘Yung sa mga tech platforms and financial tech companies, mandated po sila na maglagay ng age assurance at age verification protocols. So ibig sabihin, kung hindi naaangkop ‘yung content doon sa platform na ‘yun sa mga kabataan, kailangan mayroon silang safety by design na doon mismo sa platform nila hindi nila hahayaan na ‘yung mga below that age, ‘yung appropriate age, makapasok pa sa platform na ‘yun,” Lapuz added.

Based on the Senate website, both chambers of Congress approved the conference committee report regarding this.

Schools may be liable under the measure should they be guilty of negligence in reporting incidents, according to Lapuz.

“Kapag po base sa facts ng kanya-kanyang case nagkaroon sila ng negligence in detecting at lalo na reporting, timely reporting of these incidents or ‘yung mga red flags that could lead to preventing incidents of violence from happening, maaari pong magkaroon ng liability ‘yung school,” Lapuz said. 

“Dahil nga po sa Batang Ligtas Act, napaka-defined na rin ‘yung mga kailangan nilang isagawa, ‘yung responsibilities nila. So kung they fail to do those responsibilities, may kaakibat po ‘yun na liability and accountability,” Lapuz added.