As the 2025 midterm elections near, Google and YouTube have introduced several tools and initiatives aimed at helping Filipinos access reliable election information online.
When users search for a senatorial candidate on YouTube, an information panel will now appear above the results.
This will show key details such as the candidate’s political party and include a link to Google Search for further information.
On May 12, Election Day, YouTube’s homepage will feature a dedicated section showing live coverage from credible news sources. Streams will be available in both English and Filipino, allowing voters to stay informed as results unfold.
Additionally, YouTube will promote the Commission on Elections’ (COMELEC) “How to Vote” playlist, which offers a step-by-step guide to the voting process and other important reminders.
Google Search is also optimizing its results to prioritize trustworthy information. Its ranking systems are designed to elevate content from authoritative sources and provide helpful context on election-related topics.
Google and YouTube are also focusing on platform safety. YouTube continues to enforce strict policies against misinformation, including false claims about voting procedures or attempts to interfere with the democratic process. Content that incites violence, spreads hate, or promotes conspiracy theories is also prohibited.
Between October and December 2024, over 153,000 videos were removed in the Philippines for violating YouTube policies—placing the country 8th globally in terms of volume. Repeat violations can result in permanent channel removal.
As the use of AI becomes more widespread, Google and YouTube have taken steps to help users better understand the nature of the content they are consuming.
YouTube now requires creators to disclose whether their videos include synthetic or altered content. Election-related videos with such elements will have labels directly on the video player.
On Google Search, features like “About this Image” provide background and source details for online images, while the double-check tool in Gemini helps verify information using web sources.
Google also uses digital watermarking, through DeepMind’s SynthID, to mark AI-generated images. It has joined the C2PA coalition to support global standards for transparency in AI content.
Google has suspended political ads during the election period and is instead focusing on support for COMELEC and media literacy initiatives.
The company is working with local partners, including CANVAS, to distribute YOUTHink, a media literacy magazine available in Filipino, Cebuano, and Ilocano.
Google has also conducted training workshops for COMELEC, sharing tools and best practices for reporting content that violates YouTube’s policies.
These sessions are intended to improve coordination between COMELEC and YouTube, particularly in handling harmful or misleading content during the election season.
Yves Gonzalez, Head of Public Policy and Government Relations at Google Philippines, emphasized the company’s ongoing collaboration with government, media, and civil society to ensure safe and well-informed elections.
COMELEC Chairperson George Garcia welcomed Google’s support, stating that empowering voters with accurate and accessible information is essential to ensuring credible elections.
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