Manila: Telecommunications service provider PLDT-Smart has successfully blocked 83,000 attempts to access child abuse links in January, demonstrating a robust commitment to child safety in the digital realm.
According to Philippines News Agency, Roby Alampay, the first vice president of PLDT-Smart, stated that this initiative was made possible through the company's advanced blocking tools designed to target Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEMs). Alampay emphasized the company's responsibility as technology enablers to ensure a secure digital environment where children can grow and explore their interests safely.
The blocked CSAEMs comprised blacklisted URLs, images, and other illicit online content related to child abuse. Unlike traditional filtering systems that block entire websites, PLDT-Smart's technology intercepts harmful material at specific URLs or digital 'hash' levels, effectively redirecting users to a warning page without affecting legitimate content.
PLDT-Smart's comprehensive approach to child safety is further bolstered by collaborations with international organizations like the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) and the Canadian Centre for Child Protection's Project Arachnid. These partnerships provide the company with up-to-date intelligence and automated tools to detect and block CSAEMs across various online platforms.
Alampay also pointed out the significant role of the Council for the Welfare of Children's MAKABATA helpline 1383, which is in partnership with PLDT-Smart's corporate division, PLDT Enterprise. The helpline reported receiving over a thousand reports of sexual, physical, and psychological abuse, as well as custody issues in 2024 alone. This facilitated swift coordination with government agencies and local authorities.
Moreover, PLDT Enterprise has collaborated with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Bureau of Fire Protection to implement 'Unified 911,' a cloud-based emergency response system. This system, hosted on ePLDT's Pilipinas cloud, integrates voice, digital, and video reporting, GPS-based location tracking, geo-fencing, and CCTV connectivity, linking police, fire, medical, and rescue services nationwide.
Alampay highlighted the importance of going beyond technological measures by working with parents, schools, communities, and government bodies to increase awareness about Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and partnering with advocates for children's rights and safety.
In December, the National Coordination Center Against Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and CSAEM launched a strategic roadmap aimed at safeguarding Filipino children in the digital landscape. Approved by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking in September, this three-year plan focuses on prevention and advocacy, protection and response, law enforcement, prosecution, compliance, and fostering partnerships with local and international entities.
