SENATOR Risa Hontiveros has called for greater accountability from technology companies in the fight against online child abuse and exploitation, highlighting the rise of child sexual abuse and exploitation materials (CSAEM) due to advancements in technology.

Hontiveros, who chairs the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, emphasized that the internet and digital platforms have made illicit transactions easier than ever.

“With the internet and the widespread accessibility of various apps, transactions have become easier than ever,” Hontiveros said, stressing that tech companies must do more to curb the proliferation of CSAEM.

She noted that Republic Act 11930, also known as the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act, recognizes the critical role of internet intermediaries—including service providers, web hosting companies, search engines, payment platforms, messaging services, and social media sites—in preventing the spread of exploitative materials.

However, despite this law, child exploitation content continues to spread. Hontiveros revealed that her office has received numerous reports of CSAEM being circulated on major platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Telegram.

“In this hearing, we will investigate new ways in which CSAEM is being produced, trafficked, and distributed. We will also assess the performance of internet intermediaries in fulfilling their legal obligations and evaluate whether the government’s response is adequate to eradicate OSAEC-CSAEM,” she said.

Hontiveros reiterated that tech companies must take responsibility and implement stronger measures to prevent the exploitation of children online. She also called for greater collaboration between the government, law enforcement, and digital platforms to combat this growing crisis.