12-6-2023 (MANILA) A recent study conducted by Stanford University and the Wall Street Journal has uncovered alarming findings regarding Instagram’s role as the favored platform for pedophile networks involved in disseminating content related to child sexual abuse. The study revealed the existence of large networks of accounts, seemingly operated by minors, openly advertising and selling self-generated child sexual abuse material.
These findings should serve as a wake-up call for authorities in the Philippines, a country that has been identified as the “global epicenter of livestream sexual trafficking of children.” With approximately half of the country’s 44 million internet users being 17 years old or younger, the Philippines has become a prime target for online pedophiles.
The COVID-19 pandemic has unfortunately exacerbated the issue, as lockdown measures confined people to their homes, increasing reliance on the internet for social connection. Shockingly, the number of reported images and videos of child pornography originating from the Philippines in 2020 exceeded 1.29 million, more than triple the previous year’s figures.
The Department of Justice has reported a staggering 265% increase in cases of online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC) between March 1 and May 24, 2020, compared to the same period in the previous year.
Apart from Instagram, Filipino youths are also heavily engaged with platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Messenger, and Facebook, providing fertile ground for pedophile predators to exploit social media as a virtual playground.
Last year, the Philippines took a significant step forward with the enactment of the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children Act (Republic Act 11930), hailed as a landmark legislation by child rights groups. This law positions the Philippines as one of the first countries in East Asia and the Pacific region to adopt an institutionalized and collaborative approach to combatting online sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
Mama Fatima Singhateh, the UN Special Rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children, commended the Philippine government’s efforts to enhance policies, laws, and institutions in protecting children from various forms of sexual abuse, exploitation, and the sale of children.
However, Singhateh emphasized the need for comprehensive data collection, including reliable and centralized information on child trafficking cases, the methods of exploitation employed, and the number of prosecutions and convictions related to child sexual abuse cases. The lack of such data poses a challenge in assessing the effectiveness of RA 11930.
Unfortunately, online child abuse remains a clandestine crime in the Philippines, often kept within families and communities. Disturbingly, some parents willingly allow their children to be victimized, rationalizing their actions by claiming no physical contact occurs between the children and the pedophiles. In some instances, parents even manipulate their children by instilling guilt, suggesting that the family will go hungry if cooperation is withheld.
The absence of a robust monitoring mechanism further complicates the evaluation of RA 11930’s impact. However, the recent establishment of implementing rules and regulations for the law is expected to empower the government to develop a comprehensive strategy to protect children from online abuse.
In response to these concerns, Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has stated its commitment to aggressively combat child exploitation. Meta’s teams have already dismantled 27 abusive networks between 2020 and 2022, and in January of this year, over 490,000 accounts were shut down for violating the company’s child safety policies.
Kaspersky, a cybersecurity firm, urges parents to stay informed and engage in open communication with their children to ensure responsible and safe digital citizenship. ChildFund Philippines supports this approach, emphasizing the importance of parents or guardians familiarizing themselves with internet usage to effectively monitor their children’s online activities.
Protecting children from pedophile predators should be a collective concern. Vigilance, awareness, and proactive measures are crucial in safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable individuals.
