As the Philippines prepares for the 2025 midterm elections, Google and YouTube are enhancing efforts to connect voters with reliable, authoritative information while keeping their platforms safe from misuse.
On YouTube, users searching for senatorial candidates will now see an information panel above results, showing key candidate details such as political affiliation and links to Google Search for more context. On Election Day, a dedicated homepage shelf will feature live coverage from trusted news outlets in English and Filipino. YouTube will also promote COMELEC’s “How to Vote” playlist on May 12 to guide voters through the process.
Google Search will continue to prioritize authoritative sources, using its ranking systems to elevate credible election-related content and provide context for voters.
Combating misinformation and platform abuse
To safeguard election integrity, Google and YouTube enforce strict policies. YouTube’s Community Guidelines prohibit misleading content about voting, incitement to violence, hate speech, and conspiracy theories. Repeat violations can lead to channel termination. Between October and December 2024, over 153,000 videos were removed in the Philippines.
Addressing AI-generated content
To ensure transparency, YouTube now requires labels on synthetic or altered election-related videos, displayed directly on the video player. Google has also introduced tools like “About this Image” and Gemini’s double-check feature to help users assess image credibility and verify AI-generated content.
Additional measures include digital watermarking via DeepMind’s SynthID and participation in the C2PA coalition, which promotes metadata standards for AI content across Ads, Search, and YouTube.
Supporting media and voter education
Google also trains journalists through AI Workshops, equipping them with tools and guidance to use generative AI in election reporting.
The company also supports media literacy initiatives such as YOUTHink magazine, published in several local languages, to help voters identify credible information.
In partnership with COMELEC, Google conducted specialized training workshops on platform policies and safety strategies to help the commission escalate and report harmful content more effectively.
