By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA – Telecommunications service provider PLDT-Smart has blocked 83,000 attempts to open child abuse links in January.
In a news release on Thursday, PLDT-Smart first vice president Roby Alampay said the crackdown was enabled by the company’s blocking tools against Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEMs).
“As technology enablers, PLDT and Smart recognize their role in providing a safe digital space that allows children to grow and pursue their passions,” Alampay said.
These blocked CSAEMs include blacklisted URLs, images and other illicit online child-related content.
“Unlike traditional filters that block entire websites, the system intercepts illicit material at the specific URL or digital ‘hash’ level, redirecting users to a warning page without disrupting legitimate content,” Alampay said.
The company’s “whole-of-nation” approach to child safety is strengthened through partnerships with international groups such as the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) and the Canadian Centre for Child Protection’s Project Arachnid.
These partnerships provide PLDT-Smart with continuously updated intelligence and automated detection tools to block hidden CSAEMs across different platforms.
Alampay also highlighted the Council for the Welfare of Children’s MAKABATA helpline 1383 and its partnership with PLDT-Smart’s corporate business arm, PLDT Enterprise.
“In 2024 alone, the helpline received over a thousand reports involving sexual, physical, and psychological abuse, as well as custody concerns, enabling swift coordination with government agencies and local authorities,” he said.
Last year, PLDT Enterprise also partnered with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Bureau of Fire Protection to roll out “Unified 911,” a cloud-based emergency response system that links police, fire, medical and rescue services nationwide.
The service is hosted through ePLDT’s Pilipinas cloud that enables features such as voice, digital and video reporting; GPS-based location tracking; geo-fencing; and CCTV connectivity.
“But we go beyond technology in protecting children. We work with parents, schools, communities, and government to raise awareness on OSAEC and collaborate with partners who champion children’s rights and safety,” he said.
Last December, the National Coordination Center Against Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and CSAEM launched a new strategic roadmap for protecting Filipino children from harm in the digital landscape.
The three-year plan was approved by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking earlier in September and focuses on four key areas—prevention and advocacy; protection and response; law enforcement, prosecution, and compliance; and partnerships and networking with local and international counterparts. (PNA)
