Globe Telecom Inc. reported blocking more child pornography websites and URLs early this year in intensified efforts to shield the country’s most vulnerable from such despicable offenses.
The Ayala-led telco’s most recent data reveal a concerning trend: the number of blocked child pornography sites from its network climbed from 559 in the first quarter of 2023 to 903 in the first quarter of 2024, marking a 61 percent increase.
Additionally, the count of blocked child pornography URLs surged by more than 51 percent, from 64,802 in the first quarter of 2023 to 97,951 in the same period this year. highlighting the critical nature of the issue and the pressing need for continued vigilance and action.
“The exponential rise in child exploitation sites is a disturbing situation that demands immediate action. As a responsible corporate citizen, Globe is committed to using every resource at our disposal to address this abhorrent crime and safeguard the well-being of our children,” Irish Salandanan-Almeida, Globe chief privacy officer, said.
Since the launch of its Make It Safe Philippines campaign in 2017, Globe has aligned its efforts with the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009, or Republic Act 9775, which requires all internet service providers (ISPs) to deploy technologies that prevent access to or transmission of child pornography.
The company has invested over $2.7 million in advanced content filtering systems to detect and block these illegal sites.
Globe has also forged strong partnerships with various government agencies as well as child protection organizations to boost its efforts against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to the exploitation of children. Globe is committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to create a safer online environment for our youth. We urge the public to report any suspected cases of child exploitation to the appropriate authorities,” Almeida added.
The urgency of Globe’s efforts is underscored by a study from the US-based National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which identified the Philippines as a leading source of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) content.
Globe remains steadfast in its mission to fight child exploitation and promote a safer digital landscape for everyone. Globe’s mission extends beyond providing connectivity, aiming to make a meaningful impact in the lives of Filipinos.
It also calls on the public to be vigilant when using social media and other platforms outside of the purview of telcos, as pornographic materials abound in these channels.
