Globe Telecom Inc. blocked 278,555 URLs and domains hosting child pornography from January to September this year, a jump of 1,132.5 percent over 2021 numbers, the telco disclosed Monday, Nov. 7.

Out of the total, Globe clamped down on 2,835 domains for the first nine months of 2022 for featuring child pornography, which is part of its commitment to combat Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) in the country.

The Philippines was among the world’s leading sources of content rooted in OSAEC, according to a US-based National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) study.

“Globe wants to keep the public safe online, especially children and the youth who are most vulnerable to online predators," says Globe Chief Privacy Officer Irish Salandanan-Almeida.

"This is why we are actively supporting government efforts to restrict access to illegal sites like those containing child pornography by blocking malicious websites and URLs,” she added.

“The astounding number of links we are able to block shows that our vigilance and security efforts have been effective even as we observe a rising number of these lewd and malicious content online,” Globe Chief Information and Security Officer Anton Bonifacio underscored.

The initiative is in line with Republic Act 9775 or the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009.

The law requires 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.

It is also part of Globe’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG No. 3, which promotes good health and well-being for all.

Earlier, the telco invested $2.7 million in content filtering systems that block websites and imagery that promote child pornography, illegal gambling, and online piracy.

Aside from site blocking, Globe educates consumers on how they can protect minors from such risks through its #MakeITSafePH advocacy.

It continues to work closely with government agencies and international organizations to boost its campaign.

Through UNICEF's SaferKidsPH, Globe pushes for responsible online behavior and promotes the rights and well-being of every child. SaferKidsPH carries the Globe Digital Thumbprint Program, an educational program that teaches responsible digital citizenship to students, teachers, parents, and netizens.

Globe also partnered with the UK-based Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) which provides a secure and anonymous place to report suspected child sexual abuse images and videos.