Globe Telecom (Globe) has already blocked 11,320 URLs and 502 domains hosting lewd content carrying child pornography, as well as 194 domains of illegal gambling since the start of 2022. The Philippines is among the world’s leading sources of content rooted in online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC), according to a study led by the US-based National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
“Globe is strongly committed to helping address child pornography in the country, which has become a troubling societal issue. We actively support government efforts to curtail these illegal activities through site blocking, and education and awareness campaigns,” said Globe’s Chief Privacy Officer Irish Salandanan-Almeida.
The #MakeITSafePH campaign of Globe that started in 2017 has already blocked 3,975 domains and 57,785 URLs featuring child pornography. Through this advocacy, Globe educates consumers on rampant cases of OSAEC and how they can protect minors from such risks. The telco giant has also invested over $2.7 million in content filtering systems that block websites and imagery that promote child pornography, illegal gambling, and online piracy.
This is in line with Republic Act 9775 or the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009 where the law mandates all internet service providers (ISPs) to install technology, programs, or software to ensure that access to or transmittal of child pornography will be blocked or filtered.
In addition, Globe is also working closely with government agencies including the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Justice (DOJ), and partner organizations such as the Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators and UNICEF in strengthening this campaign. Moreover, they have also partnered with the UK-based Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) to provide a secure and anonymous place to report suspected child sexual abuse images and videos that users can find on the Internet.
Furthermore, Globe is also pushing for responsible online behavior and promoting the rights and well-being of every child through UNICEF’s SaferKidsPH campaign where it carries the Globe Digital Thumbprint Program. It is an educational program that teaches responsible digital citizenship to students, teachers, parents, and netizens.
