The Philippines ranked 8th globally in the number of YouTube videos removed for violating community guidelines, with over 181,000 videos related to the Philippines deleted in the third quarter of 2024 due to misinformation and hate speech. Google Philippines reported that 97% of these videos were taken down by AI, while the rest were flagged by users and organizations. This issue was discussed during a House of Representatives inquiry into the proliferation of fake news, where representatives from Google, Philippine Daily Inquirer, and others emphasized the need for accountability from tech companies and updated laws to combat disinformation, while also protecting freedom of expression.

Editor’s Note: While other nations grapple with the growing dangers of censorship, the Philippines finds itself further down a troubling path, seemingly unaware of the erosion of free expression. Since 2020, platforms like YouTube have actively suppressed factual content from credible sources, often labeling them as “misinformation” only to have those claims later validated. [Also read Researches Confirms COVID-19 Shots Increases COVID Risk through Immune Imprinting, Manufacturing Consent: The Evolution of the Information Factory, NATO and Vaccines: Twin Sacred Cows of Western Elites, Jeffrey Sachs: Breaking Media Silence on COVID-19 Origins, Truth Revealed: Vaccine Risks Ignored While Governments Persist with Mass Rollouts].

The terms “fake news” and “misinformation” have been weaponized by mainstream media outlets with clear political agendas, effectively stifling dissenting voices and critical analysis. Real journalism, particularly in the Philippines, is becoming a relic, replaced by either timid acquiescence to those in power or blind faith in their pronouncements. It is alarming to see that more and more journalists, and even our leaders and lawmakers parroting the New World Order’s Disdain for diversity in information source. [Read Breaking Free from the Google Echo Chamber: The Need for Diverse Perspectives in Search, When Science Betrays Trust, Low Media Trust: Free Speech, Not Government Control, Is the Answer to Misinformation, How Social Media Algorithms and Censorship Threaten Free Speech].

The struggle for free speech highlights a vital principle: adults possess the capacity to discern truth for themselves. By accessing diverse sources and engaging in critical thinking, individuals can navigate complex issues and arrive at informed conclusions. The suppression of information, regardless of its source, undermines this fundamental right and stifles the pursuit of truth. We must resist the temptation to allow media or government entities to curate our reality, fostering an environment where open dialogue and diverse perspectives are not just tolerated, but actively encouraged. Only then can we hope to build a truly informed and empowered citizenry.

Read Original Article