Safer Internet Day 2025: Philippine laws that protect children against online scams, abuses and exploitation 

By Lanie Carillo | Communications Officer 

The Philippines is one of the countries with the highest internet and social media usage, around 73% of its total population of 118.2 million, the 2024 Global Digital Report showed.  

Filipino internet users aged 16-24 spend an average of 8 hours and 52 minutes per day online, the third longest worldwide.  

The digital age brings convenience but also exposes individuals—especially children—to the dangers of online crimes, exploitation, and abuse. There are various ways to protect children:  

Set up parental controls and privacy setting. Make sure location sharing is turned off and privacy settings on social media are adjusted. Keep computers and devices in shared spaces so t’s easier to keep an eye on things.  

Monitor and limit children’s screen time. Set clear screen time limits and make sure to spend quality offline time together. Find fund activities you can enjoy as a family!  

Educate children on safe online behavior. Remind them to use strong passwords and be careful about what they share online. Encourage kindness in their interactions. Let them know they should always report abuse, exploitation, or scam if they come across them.  

Here are notable laws that the Philippine government has enacted to promote online safety.  

• Republic Act 11930 (Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children [OSAEC] and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Materials [CSAEM] Act). A law that protects children from online sexual abuse and exploitation. It establishes comprehensive measures to prevent, detect, and penalize these crimes including stricter law enforcement protocols, international cooperation, and support services for victims. The law emphasizes the responsibility of internet service providers and digital platforms in monitoring and reporting OSAEC and CSAEM incidents.  

• Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).  A law that addresses online crimes and cybercrimes such as hacking, identify theft cyberbullying, online libel, and illegal online activities.   

• Republic Act No. 10372 (An Act Amending Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012). Expands the definition of online libel making online defamation a criminal offense and reinforces penalties for cybercrimes such as hacking and identify theft.  

• Republic Act No. 7610  (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act). A law that addresses online sexual abuse, exploitation and discrimination of minors.  

• RA 9775 (Anti Child Pornography Act of 2009). A law that prohibits the production, distribution, and possession of child pornography.  

• Republic Act No. 10627 (Anti-Bullying Act of 2013). This law mandates schools to adopt policies to address bullying in both physical and online environments.  

• Republic Act 9995 (Anti-Photo and Voyeurism Act of 2009). This law prohibits the taking and distribution of photos or videos of a person’s private parts or activities without consent.  

• Republic Act 113 (Safe Spaces Act). This law aims to prevent and address online harassment and bullying.  

• Republic Act No. 10173 (Data Privacy Act of 2012). Protects the privacy and security of personal data, setting guidelines on how personal information is collected, stored, and processed.