MANILA, Philippines — The National Privacy Commission (NPC) issued Show Cause Orders to Meta, Roblox, Reddit, and Discord on Tuesday, following their non-compliance with applicable registration requirements under the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (DPA) and NPC Circular 16-03.
In a statement, the NPC said the issuance of their show cause orders was because of their “continuing exercise of its mandate to administer and enforce the DPA, its Implementing Rules and Regulations, and relevant issuances.”
“As digital platforms become increasingly integrated into the everyday lives of Filipinos, including children and young people, the NPC recognizes the importance of ensuring that personal data processed through these platforms is handled lawfully, fairly, securely, and in a manner that respects the rights of data subjects,” the agency said.
It also said that the commission is “intensifying its compliance monitoring and investigation of digital platforms whose services involve the processing of personal data of individuals in the Philippines.”
“As part of this initiative, the NPC will assess compliance with applicable data protection laws, rules, and regulations, including requirements relating to registration, transparency, lawful processing, data subject rights, accountability, and appropriate organizational, physical, and technical security measures. These efforts constitute NPC’s continuing mandate to promote responsible data processing and safer digital spaces, particularly for children and young people,” the NPC said.
“The NPC will take appropriate regulatory action against entities found to be non-compliant with data protection laws, rules, and regulations,” it added.
The commission also said they are also prioritizing the safety of the Filipino youth through these measures.
“It is NPC’s position that the safety, privacy, and overall well-being of our youth must always come first. As learning and social interaction increasingly take place across both physical campuses and digital spaces, we are dedicated to protecting the privacy and data subject rights of our youth and promoting responsible data processing,” the agency said.
It called on digital platforms, government agencies, parents, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to work together in “promoting digital environments that respect privacy, protect personal data, and empower young people to exercise their rights.”
“Protecting young people in the digital environment is a shared responsibility. Within its mandate, the NPC will continue to ensure that organizations processing personal data are held accountable and that the rights guaranteed to data subjects under Philippine data protection law are respected,” the commission added.
