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| Philippine Lawmakers Push to Criminalize Troll Farms |
Lawmakers in the Philippines are moving to combat the influence of troll farms, proposing legislation that criminalizes their operation. Representatives Margarita Nograles-Almario and Cheeno Miguel Almario have introduced House Bill 11178, also known as the "Anti-Troll Farm and Election Disinformation Act." This bill seeks to penalize individuals and entities involved in running troll farms and spreading disinformation, particularly during elections, as part of efforts to protect democratic processes.
Key provisions of the proposed law include imprisonment of six to twelve years and fines ranging from PHP 500,000 to PHP 10 million for violators. Political candidates who knowingly benefit from disinformation activities could face disqualification, and online platforms failing to act against such content could be held accountable. The bill also emphasizes collaboration with agencies like the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center and the National Bureau of Investigation to monitor and investigate activities tied to troll farms.
The legislation highlights the growing concern about how misinformation undermines democratic institutions, fostering societal division and eroding public trust. It also mandates educational campaigns to equip citizens with critical thinking skills to recognize and counter disinformation.
This initiative reflects an urgent response to the increasing prevalence of troll farms, especially with the upcoming 2025 elections in the Philippines.
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