MANILA – Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros on Thursday decried the continued proliferation of child sexual abuse and exploitation materials (CSAEM) online, calling out tech companies for failing to prevent their platforms from being used to advertise and distribute such content.

“There is no question that the abuse and exploitation of children has been made easier by modern technology,” Hontiveros said in her opening statement during the Senate hearing on the implementation of the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-CSAEM Act of 2022.

The hearing aims to examine new trends in the creation and spread of CSAEM, evaluate whether internet companies are complying with their responsibilities, and assess the adequacy of government response in enforcing the law.

Hontiveros said her office continues to receive numerous reports of CSAEM circulating on major social media platforms and messaging apps.

“We found content being shared on Facebook, Twitter, and even on Telegram. And these aren’t hidden — some are publicly advertised,” she said, presenting samples that will be turned over to law enforcement.

Hontiveros thanked Meta for swiftly preserving flagged content on Facebook but stressed that the problem extends beyond one platform.

“In a simple Google search, CSAEM also came up. I want to ask our tech giants: why is this happening?” she said.

Under the 2022 law, various internet intermediaries — including service providers, hosting platforms, search engines, payment systems, messaging apps, and social media networks — are mandated to prevent and take down CSAEM content.

However, Hontiveros said these companies have largely failed to fulfill their legal obligations.

“This is not just about content moderation. It’s about preventing crimes against children,” she added. (PNA)