Globe Telecom has blocked 1,345 illegal gambling websites in only the first three months this year, representing a 967 percent increase from last year’s closures.
Of the total, 260 sites were blocked in January, 855 in February, and 230 in March.
A combination of network-level blocking measures and the deployment of content filtering systems allowed Globe to keep its customers safe from the harmful effects of online gambling operations.
“Illegal online gambling can have devastating financial and social consequences, fueling problematic gambling behavior and exposing users to potential fraud, malware and cybercrime,” Anton Bonifacio, Globe chief information security officer, said.
“We have an ethical obligation to make the internet safer and are continuing our relentless push to identify and prevent access to these unlawful sites on our network,” he added.
Globe has seen rising numbers of illegal gambling sites blocked from only 52 sites barred when it started in 2021 to 396 in 2022 and 4,237 for full-year 2023.
The government earlier cautioned the public against illegal online gambling sites as these are hotbeds of scams, credit card fraud and identity theft. It said the public should only use licensed online-based games.
Globe has invested over $2.7 million for an advanced content filtering infrastructure capable of detecting and restricting websites and imagery that promote not just online gambling but also child pornography and online piracy. This forms a key pillar of the company’s aggressive Make It Safe PH program to foster a secure online environment.
Make It Safe PH was launched in 2017 to educate consumers about pervasive online risks like illegal gambling and how one may be protected.
While the filtering measures are highly effective in restricting access to malicious content, Globe cautions that motivated individuals may still circumvent such restrictions. As such, it regularly conducts digital literacy campaigns to empower customers with the awareness and know-how to steer clear of shady online gambling operations and other dubious content.
Globe also works closely with government agencies and other stakeholders to address various forms of fraud, collaborating on operations that have led to the arrest of suspects.
