HOUSE Bill 8717, a measure aiming to strengthen the Safe Spaces Act, also known as the Bawal Bastos Law, was filed Monday at the House of Representatives by Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima.
"This measure seeks to strengthen the Safe Spaces Act by expanding the definitions of prohibited acts, including the recognition of grooming as a form of predatory conduct, and by addressing gender-based online harassment committed through emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence," de Lima said in the bill's explanatory note.
The bill defined "grooming" as "predatory conduct, act, or pattern of acts, of establishing a relationship of trust, or emotional connection with a child or someone who is believed to be a child, by a guardian, teacher, coach, counselor, spiritual adviser, caregiver, or any other person in the position of authority or trust with respect to the said child or someone believed to be a child, regardless of whether the conduct, act or pattern of acts are done in person or through electronic and other similar devices, for the purpose of perpetrating sexual abuse or exploitation." If enacted, the bill would amend the law to state that gender-based online sexual harassment includes acts that use "artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies." Under the bill, internet intermediaries must immediately block access to or remove the address, website or content violating the law within 24 hours of notice from a competent authority.
Also under the bill, they must preserve within six months from the transaction date "all subscriber's or registration information and traffic data" in their control and possession. Extending the period for another six months or during case pendency is allowed under the bill. Content data shall be preserved for one year and, "upon notice by the competent authority," this period shall be extendible for another six months.
De Lima said the bill "imposes stiffer penalties for gender-based sexual harassment in workplaces and educational or training institutions, where power imbalances may place victims in particularly vulnerable situations." Among the sections the bill seeks to add to the law is one enumerating penalties "for fomenting, promoting, or exhorting sexual harassment, misogynistic, transphobic, homophobic, and sexist slurs by public and government officials and employees." "By strengthening penalties, expanding protections, and reinforcing accountability mechanisms, this proposed measure seeks to ensure that the Safe Spaces Act continues to effectively safeguard dignity, equality, and safety in workplaces, educational institutions, public spaces, and digital environments," said de Lima, a former chairman of the Commission on Human Rights.
