Tech Regulation Needed for Social Media Giants, Experts Say

Technology Giants Must Face Accountability for Digital Disinformation, Experts Urge

Amid growing concerns over the spread of disinformation online, political scientist Cleve Arguelles has called for stricter regulation of technology companies that profit from the proliferation of false information across their platforms.

Speaking during a special episode of VERA Files’ “What The F!?” podcast focused on political disinformation in 2025, Arguelles, who serves as President of WR-Numero, emphasized that these multi-million dollar tech companies generate substantial revenue from disinformation while avoiding accountability for its consequences.

“This is a business that needs to be subjected to the power of the people to decide, which is through government,” Arguelles stated. He underscored that while social media may be a business, “there is no such thing as an unregulated business” in functioning democracies.

The growing influence of social media as an information source has heightened these concerns. According to Nielsen Media Research’s 2023 survey, social media has surpassed traditional outlets including print, radio, and television as Filipinos’ preferred news source. The study revealed that 72.48% of Filipinos—approximately 84.6 million people—actively use social media platforms, with nearly half (47.3%) primarily using them to access news stories.

This shift in media consumption patterns has forced traditional news organizations to establish or expand their online presence to maintain audience reach. However, this migration to digital platforms has created an environment where factual reporting competes directly with unverified information.

Arguelles pointed out that major tech companies have been systematically withdrawing from global efforts to combat disinformation on their platforms. “I think the focus should also be on them. It’s not only that false news is thriving, it’s also killing legitimate journalism outlets since they’re making it harder for them to survive because they’re also a business,” he explained.

The digital media landscape presents unique challenges for accountability, as content creators—whether sharing facts or fiction—can often avoid responsibility for spreading misinformation. Similarly, the platforms hosting this content have largely evaded meaningful regulation despite their central role in information dissemination.

Media experts warn that this accountability gap creates long-term societal risks. As disinformation flourishes unchecked, public access to factual, verified information diminishes. Arguelles cautioned that without intervention, there will eventually be “a dearth of true and factual information” available to the public.

The Philippines represents a particularly concerning case study, as social media penetration rates are among the highest globally. With its relatively young population and high digital engagement, the country has become fertile ground for disinformation campaigns, particularly during election cycles.

To address these challenges, Arguelles advocates for legal frameworks that would impose consequences on individuals and organizations behind disinformation networks. “We must also find a way to have them face the law,” he urged, suggesting that civil society efforts alone are insufficient without regulatory backing.

Media watchdogs and digital rights organizations have echoed these concerns, pointing to evidence that algorithmic amplification often prioritizes sensationalized or misleading content that drives engagement over factually accurate reporting.

As traditional media continues to struggle with sustainable business models in the digital age, many journalism advocates argue that regulatory intervention is necessary to level the playing field and ensure the survival of fact-based reporting.

The full discussion on political disinformation is available on VERA Files’ website and social media channels, where Arguelles elaborates on potential regulatory approaches and the shared responsibility between government, tech companies, and citizens in combating digital disinformation.