Globe Telecom Blacklisted Over 400k Harmful Websites in 2023, Setting a New Record

With 404,730 sites and links blocked in the first nine months of the year, leading digital solutions platform Globe Telecom has set a new record for preventing websites linked to child pornography, illicit gambling, online piracy, and other dangerous content.

After upgrading its filtering capabilities in both mobile and internet services, the number represents a significant 45% increase in blocked URLs and domains compared to the 278,555 registered in the same period last year. This highlights Globe Telecom's dedication to fostering a safer online environment.

​This surge was even more noticeable in the third quarter of this year, when there were 267,985 harmful sites blocked by Globe Telecom, up from 156,857 in the same quarter of 2022, a 70.8% increase.

Examining the data from January to September in greater detail reveals that Globe Telecom blocked 397,637 URLs (Uniform Resource Links), a notable increase from 275,720 in 2022. Additionally, 4,795 domains have been successfully banned in 2023—more than three times as many as the 1,432 prohibited in the year prior. By the end of September 2023, Globe had blocked 2,298 domains related to child pornography—one of the most horrible internet crimes—as opposed to 1,403 during the same period the previous year.

"Our commitment to creating a safe online environment is unwavering. We recognize the critical role we play in combating illegal online activities, especially those that exploit the most children. Our increased efforts and investments in blocking access to illegal content are a testament to our dedication to this cause,” stated Globe Telecom's Chief Information Security Officer, Anton Bonifacio.

Through its #MakeITSafePH campaign, Globe Telecom has led the nation's fight against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) since 2017, supporting the government of the Philippines in its all-out campaign against OSAEC. Globe's commitment to this important cause is demonstrated by its $2.7 million investment in technologies that filter content connected to child pornography, illicit gambling, and internet piracy.

All internet service providers in the Philippines are required by the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009 (Republic Act No. 9775) to implement technology that restricts or prohibits access to child pornography. Globe Telecom's actions show that they are proactive in protecting digital environments, going above and beyond simple compliance.

A UNICEF report highlighting the Philippines' emergence as a global hub for the creation of child sex abuse materials highlights the urgency of these measures. Additionally, it was shown that 80% of Filipino children are at risk of being sexually abused online, sometimes with their parents' help.

The Philippines has been recognized as one of the global leaders in OSAEC material by a study headed by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which is situated in the United States.
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Globe Telecom has shown a strong commitment to protecting the digital ecosystem by stepping up its efforts to combat unlawful activities conducted online.