WITH child pornography and abuse proliferating online, the government is looking at new strategies to combat such lewd contents to stop online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSEAC).

On the occasion of Safer Internet Day 2024, Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesperson Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano noted that among the measures that they plan to implement will be the on working with money services businesses (MSBs) so as to flag the amounts that are being used in order to transfer subscription and purchase of online footage and still photos of abused minors.

According to Department of Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary Emmeline Villar they will work closely with the DOJ and with the social media platforms so as to tweak their systems via artificial platforms.

This is to curb access to potentially harmful sites and content.

Among the social media platforms including Meta and TikTok.

Clavano underscored that there are adjustments being made as the threshold amounts in the Anti-Money Laundering Act are substantially higher than the amounts usually transacted in OSEAC-related online transactions, which can go as low as P50 per photo.

Meanwhile, the consumers of the forbidden content are mostly males from the United States, Europe and Australia.

“There are also CSAEM (child sexual abuse or exploitation materials) platforms na PHP300 pa lang, makakapag-subscribe ka na sa mga video. ‘Yung sa Telegram naman it can go as low as P50,” Clavano said.

Clavano also said talks are being held with remittance and virtual wallet platforms.

“Meron na tayong ginagawang consultation and dialogue with money service businesses na hindi pa covered sa (We are already conducting consultations and dialogue with the money service businesses which are not yet covered by the) Anti-Money Laundering Act,” he said.