Post by : Shakul

Manila, Philippines — Telecommunications provider PLDT-Smart reported that it successfully blocked 83,000 attempts to access online child abuse and exploitation links in January 2026, as part of efforts to protect children from harmful material on the internet.

PLDT-Smart’s Child Protection Platform, supported by cybersecurity measures and partnerships with international groups like the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) and the Canadian Centre for Child Protection’s Project Arachnid, intercepts illicit content at the specific URL or digital hash level. This prevents access to child sexual abuse and exploitation materials (CSAEM) without blocking entire websites, instead redirecting users to a warning page.

Roby Alampay, First Vice President of PLDT-Smart, emphasized that the company has a responsibility to create a safe digital environment that allows children to use technology without exposure to abuse materials. The initiative also works closely with local institutions such as the Council for the Welfare of Children’s MAKABATA helpline 1383 to address complaints and coordinate with government and community partners.

PLDT’s broader cybersecurity effort has been ongoing for years. According to past data, the company and its partners have blocked millions of URLs and content linked to online child exploitation and abuse since launching their protective systems. This includes continuous updates from international intelligence sources to expand coverage and detection of hidden illicit material.

Beyond technology, PLDT-Smart also collaborates with parents, schools, and communities to raise awareness about online child safety and harmful content. These initiatives align with national efforts to combat online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) and strengthen protective mechanisms across platforms.

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