The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and TikTok announced a strengthened partnership to promote e-commerce growth and crack down on illegal online sale of vape products.
Officials of the DTI met with TikTok executives in Singapore on June 5 and lauded the platform’s swift response to show cause orders (SCOs) on the sale of vape products.
The app said it removed over 570 user-generated content pieces and 337 associated products on its platform, upholding Philippine regulations restricting the online sale of vapes.
TikTok’s Safety Enforcement Tool (TSET) allows verified government agencies to request and monitor the takedown of harmful content.
While the DTI expressed interest in utilizing TSET, both parties need to agree on transparent information sharing regarding government reports.
The DTI and TikTok also revealed initiatives including the involvement of the app as a major sponsor for the upcoming first Cashless Expo, a joint project between the DTI, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the private sector.
The expo, co-organized with the Department of Agriculture (DA), aims to promote digital payments in agricultural and trade sectors.
Both parties discussed establishing a Content Creator Academy to nurture Filipino talent and drive deeper digital integration within the country.
The DTI also commended TikTok for participating in a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) on combating online counterfeiting and piracy and creating a safer e-commerce environment for consumers and brand owners.
