CICP Releases Official Code of Ethics and Conduct for the Philippine Creator and Influencer Industry

The Creator and Influencer Council of the Philippines (CICP) has officially released the CICP Code of Ethics and Conduct, a comprehensive set of guidelines designed to uphold professional, ethical, and responsible practices across the country’s fast-growing creator and influencer ecosystem. The Code aims to strengthen industry standards, support creators and brands, and promote a safer and more trustworthy digital environment for the public.

The Code has also been formally disseminated to CICP Members, applicants, and key industry stakeholders, marking a unified commitment to implementing and upholding these standards across the broader creator community.

Setting the Standard for Ethical Digital Influence

Developed in partnership with creators, agencies, brands, platforms, and legal experts, the Code sets out clear expectations on integrity, transparency, community responsibility, and compliance with Philippine laws—including the Consumer Act, Data Privacy Act, Intellectual Property Code, and Cybercrime Prevention Act.

The Code is organized into eight major sections, including:

• Conduct Relating to Integrity — Upholding honesty, transparency, legal compliance, and engagement integrity, including explicit prohibitions on buying fake followers or using bot networks.

• Guidelines for Creator & Influencer Endorsements — Establishing disclosure rules for paid partnerships, affiliate arrangements, and brand relationships.

• Special Provisions for Content Creators and Influencers — Setting expectations on factual accuracy, AI-generated content disclosure, misinformation prevention, and community safety.

• Special Provisions for Brands and Advertisers — Providing guidance on fair creator compensation, ethical contracting, and responsible sustainability claims.

• Enforcement Procedures — Defining complaint processes and sanctions such as warnings, suspension, and expulsion for violations.

  
  

Responding to Today’s Most Pressing Digital Issues

The Code addresses critical challenges in the creator ecosystem, including:

• Misinformation and Fake News — Requiring verification of claims and timely corrections of inaccuracies.

• Online Harassment and Bullying — Encouraging creators to foster respectful communities and respond appropriately to abuse.

• AI-Generated or Synthetic Content — Mandating disclosures for deepfakes, voice clones, and other altered media.

• Cybercrime Prevention — Requiring Members to avoid facilitating illegal online activity and comply with relevant laws.

• Creator Labor Rights & Compensation Principles — Encouraging fair payment terms, timely compensation, and transparent contracts between brands and creators.

CICP Leadership on the Importance of the Code

A message from the Council’s founder further recognizes the significance of this release:

“We started building this Code in CICP’s early years because the industry needed one shared ethical foundation—key to our vision of setting the gold standard in content creation and influencer marketing. It’s encouraging to see the current Council carry this work forward and update the Code to reflect the realities and challenges creators and stakeholders face today. This strengthened version is a meaningful step forward for the Philippine creator economy.”

— Jim Guzman, Founder and President (2020–2022), Creator and Influencer Council of the Philippines

“As CICP marks its fifth year, it has become increasingly important for the Council to establish and publicly share a unified Code that provides strong guidance for the creator and influencer industry at large. We ensured the Code is up to date and responsive to the issues creators experience today — from misinformation and online safety to fair compensation and engagement integrity — as well as the concerns of brands, agencies, and platforms. This milestone reflects our commitment to shaping a healthier, more ethical, and more collaborative digital ecosystem.”

— Jel Directo, President, Creator and Influencer Council of the Philippines

A Milestone for the Philippine Creator Ecosystem

The release of the Code reinforces CICP’s mission to elevate professionalism, strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, and promote responsible digital influence nationwide. The Council will continue reviewing and refining the Code as new platforms, technologies, and industry behaviors evolve.

Access the Full Code

The full CICP Code of Ethics and Conduct is available at: https://cicp.com.ph/cicp-code-of-ethics-and-conduct/

For press inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact:

CICP Secretariat

Email: hello.cicp@gmail.com

About the Creator and Influencer Council of the Philippines (CICP)

CICP is the leading industry association for creators, influencers, brands, agencies, and digital platforms in the Philippines. Guided by a diverse Board representing both creators and major corporate stakeholders, CICP champions ethical standards, professional development, and the advancement of a responsible and thriving creator economy.