Globe Telecom Inc. and PLDT Inc. were included in the top 50 list of the World Benchmarking Alliance's (WBA) annual Digital Inclusion Benchmark 2023, which reviewed the general performance of 200 key digital technology companies in the world.
Globe ranked number 43 with a total score of 45.9 out of 100, while PLDT was the 45th company with a grade of 45.6 out of 100.
The companies were assessed based on 16 indicators across four measurement areas for digital inclusion namely “enhancing universal access to digital technologies, improving all levels of digital skills, fostering trustworthy use, and innovating openly, inclusively, and ethically.”
Globe scored 0.3 out of 2 in terms of access; 1.1 out of 2 for skills; 1.7 out of 2 for use; 0.8 out of 2 for innovation; and 0.7 out of 2 for core social indicators.
Meanwhile, PLDT logged a 0.7 grade for access; 1.3 for skills; 1.4 for use; 0.7 for innovation; and 0.4 for core social indicators.
The indicators pertain to the United Nations' (UN) 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which adequately reviews the performance of tech companies in responsible, sustainable, and equitable use of technology for the future.
Access involves digital inclusivity for women and girls, access for diverse users, and disclosure of its economic contributions. Skills include basic, intermediate, and technical digital skills development and school connectivity.
Meanwhile, use explores cybersecurity and accountability, personal data security, and mitigating risks. Moreover, innovation encompasses sustainable ecosystems and ethical research and development.
The core social indicators refer to WBA’s Social Transformation Framework (STF) which sets expectations for companies to meet, hinging on three pillars including “respect for human rights, provision and promotion of decent work, and conduct of ethical principles.”
Commenting on its DIB ranking, Globe Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer Yoly Crisanto said their improved scores in the 2023 DIB “affirm our efforts to equip our customers with the necessary skills to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.”
“We remain committed to uplifting lives through digital technology while prioritizing the safety and security of our customers,” added Crisanto.
Around 64 percent of the hardware, telecom and information technology (IT) software and services firms assessed were based in the United States; 25 percent in China; 41 percent in Europe; 46 percent in Asia (excluding China); and 24 percent were from other regions.
According to the WIB, the report showed that many tech companies “are still lagging in their responsibility to ensure that people are able to use digital technology in a way that benefits them.”
“There are a handful of companies that are leading the way with robust child safety commitments, ethical principles for artificial intelligence, and impactful initiatives to provide digital skills training. However, most companies still do not display the maturity needed to adequately support progress towards the SDGs,” it said.
Among the top five companies in the 2023 DIB were Spain-based telco Telefonica with 85.2 out of 100 score. This is followed by France-based telco Orange (71.3); German telco Deutsche Telekom (67.5); US tech firm Apple (63.4); and US firms Microsoft and Cisco (both with 62.6 scores).
Notable Southeast Asian companies included in the top 20 were Singapore-based telco Singtel with a rank of 14 and a score of 55.2; and Thai telco AIS, ranked 18, with a 53.4 score.