Cavite 2nd district Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla is putting her foot down on social media algorithms that funnel potentially harmful content to children and the rest of the family.

Mercado-Revilla filed for this purpose House Bill (HB) No. 7300, or the proposed Social Media Accountability Act. She says the measure addresses the reality that every day, social media algorithms shape what Filipino families see and experience online,

This includes news that appears on their feeds to the videos recommended to their children.

The lady solon said, “Algorithms influence behavior, shape emotions, and quietly affect how people understand the world. When left unchecked, these systems can cause real harm, particularly to children and other vulnerable users.”

The Social Media Accountability Act recognizes that while social media platforms enable communication, creativity, and expression, their design and recommendation systems also exert powerful and often invisible influence over public discourse and everyday life.

“This measure is not about policing opinions. It is about accountability, making sure that digital systems do not put profit ahead of people, and that users are informed, protected, and empowered,” said Mercado-Revilla.

Under the bill, a Social Media Accountability Council (SMAC) will be created and attached to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). The council will be tasked with setting basic safety standards, reviewing platform practices, and ensuring compliance with national rules on digital safety and user protection.

“Filipino users have the right to know how their data is used and how algorithms influence the content they see every day. Transparency empowers users and helps families make informed choices in an increasingly algorithm-driven digital environment., Mercado-Revilla added.

The proposed council will include representatives from key government agencies such as the DICT, National Privacy Commission (NPC), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), as well as experts from the academe and civil society groups focused on digital safety and child protection.

SMAC will also have the authority to issue safety standards, investigate violations, order corrective actions, and impose administrative penalties. Sanctions may include fines of up to ₱10 million per violation and orders to modify, suspend, or disable harmful platform features.

“The Social Media Accountability Act seeks balance: protecting free expression while ensuring responsibility, safety, and fairness in the digital space. It is a necessary step towards a healthier and more accountable online environment for all Filipinos,” Mercado-Revilla said.