Drilon seeks measure vs anonymity of ‘trolls’ on social media

MANILA, Philippines — Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon is seeking a measure that would require social media platforms to reveal the identity of “trolls” using their platform.

During the Senate hearing on the rise of social media in the country, Drilon raised that trolls have “impunity” to say what they want on social media due to anonymity.

“In my view, the abuses done [on social media] is because of the anonymity of the trolls. In other words, they just keep on hitting everybody… they have the impunity because of the anonymity,” Drilon said.

Drilon said that while there are laws in place such for libel and cyberlibel, the anonymous nature of social media makes it difficult for the victims of online attacks.

“I was a victim of libel in cyberspace. Fortunately, the one who constantly hit me used a social media platform where I can identify him… and I was able to identify him, I was able to avail of the libel laws of our country and had him finally convicted by the Supreme Court of the crime of libel,” Drilon said.

“This is a system which is available to the victims of defamation where the libelous statements are made over traditional media. But when it is made through social media platforms where there is anonymity, the abuses are done and this is what we should correct,” he added.

Drilon said a balance should be achieved between freedom of speech and the responsible use of such freedom, especially in the age of social media.

“I would request our resource persons to advise the committee, give their expert views as to the manner or the means by which we can require the social media platforms to reveal the identity of the trolls,” Drilon said.

“By doing this, then we can make those who use social media responsible and those that they victimize can avail of the remedy under the law for libel and defamatory language,” he added.

EDV