The Philippines has passed a new law that aims to protect children from online sexual abuse law and exploitation. Republic Act 11930, or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) Law, was signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte on July 30, 2022.
The law defines online sexual abuse and exploitation of children as “the use of information and communication technologies to engage in any activity that results in the sexual abuse or exploitation of a child.” This includes, but is not limited to, the production, possession, distribution, and viewing of child sexual abuse materials.
The law also establishes a new agency, the Inter-Agency Council Against Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (IACOCA), to coordinate the government’s efforts to combat online child sexual abuse and exploitation. The IACOCA will be composed of representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Justice, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the Philippine National Police.
The law also provides for a number of penalties for those who violate its provisions. These penalties include imprisonment of up to 40 years and a fine of up to P20 million.
The passage of the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children Law is a significant step forward for the Philippines in its fight to protect children from online sexual abuse and exploitation. The law will help to ensure that children are safe online and that those who exploit them are brought to justice.
Here are some of the key provisions of the law:
- The law defines online sexual abuse and exploitation of children as “the use of information and communication technologies to engage in any activity that results in the sexual abuse or exploitation of a child.”
- The law establishes a new agency, the Inter-Agency Council Against Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (IACOCA), to coordinate the government’s efforts to combat online child sexual abuse and exploitation.
- The law provides for a number of penalties for those who violate its provisions, including imprisonment of up to 40 years and a fine of up to P20 million.
The passage of this law is a significant step forward for the Philippines in its fight to protect children from online sexual abuse and exploitation. The law will help to ensure that children are safe online and that those who exploit them are brought to justice.
