A proposed measure seeking to restrict children’s access to high-risk digital platforms, including social networking services, has secured final approval in the Senate, with violators facing fines of up to P20 million.
Senate Bill No. 2424, or the Safe Media Access and Responsible Technology for Kids in Digital Spaces (SMART KIDS) Act, was approved on third and final reading on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, with 16 votes in favor, one against and no abstentions.
Sponsored by Sen. Robinhood Padilla, the measure seeks to establish safeguards against online risks to children under 18, reduce distractions from mobile devices and other electronic gadgets, and promote safer digital and learning environments.
Under the bill, covered high-risk digital services would be required to suspend, restrict, disable or remove accounts reasonably determined to belong to minors. These platforms must also implement age-assurance measures to verify whether users meet the minimum age requirement.
The measure seeks to prevent anyone below 18 from accessing or creating accounts on platforms classified as high-risk digital services. The bill cites services such as Meta Platforms, Roblox and Gorebox in describing the platforms it seeks to regulate.
However, the proposed restrictions would not cover email and private messaging services, online games not primarily used for social networking, educational platforms, news services and professional collaboration services.
If enacted, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) would oversee implementation of the safeguards and establish an accessible public reporting platform for suspected violations.
Reports involving harmful content requiring immediate action would be referred or escalated promptly to the digital services concerned.
Covered platforms found violating the measure could face fines ranging from P5 million to P20 million per violation, plus an additional P100,000 for every day they fail to comply.
Parents or legal guardians who knowingly help minors circumvent age-verification mechanisms could face fines of up to P50,000, community service and mandatory participation in digital parenting and child safety programs.
The measure aims to make digital service providers, parents and guardians responsible for helping protect children from online risks while supporting their development and access to safe learning environments.
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