PLDT, Smart Block 83,000 Attempts to Open Child Abuse Links in Jan ‘26

PLDT and Smart’s Cyber Security Operations Group (CSOG) has blocked 83,000 attempts to open child sexual abuse and exploitation materials (CSAEM) in January, 50% fewer compared to the same period in 2025. At the end of January this year, PLDT and Smart’s blacklisted URLs and illicit online child-related content have grown to two million since the launch of the PLDT Group’s Child Protection Platform in 2021.

“As technology enablers, PLDT and Smart recognize their role in providing a safe digital space that allows children to grow and pursue their passions,” said Roby T. Alampay, FVP and Head of Public Engagement at PLDT and Smart. “PLDT and Smart’s pioneering CSAEM blocking tool has empowered the Group to clamp down on the accessibility of images depicting online child sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).”

PLDT and Smart champion a whole-of-nation approach to child online safety, anchored on their Child Protection Platform. 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.

The platform is strengthened through global partnerships with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) and the Canadian Centre for Child Protection’s Project Arachnid, giving the Group access to continuously updated intelligence and automated detection tools that expand its ability to block hidden CSAEM across platforms.

PLDT, through its corporate business arm PLDT Enterprise, also supports the Council for the Welfare of Children’s MAKABATA Helpline 1383, the country’s central reporting and referral system for child protection cases. 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.

In 2025, 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, technology-enabled emergency response system linking police, fire, medical, and rescue services nationwide. Hosted on ePLDT’s Pilipinas Cloud, the platform integrates voice, digital, and video reporting, GPS-based location tracking, geo-fencing, and CCTV connectivity to enable faster, data-driven crisis response.

“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,” Alampay added.

Under the #BeCYBERSMART campaign, PLDT and Smart promote digital literacy and practical online safety habits, training nearly 59,000 individuals in 2025 on data protection, scam awareness, and responsible online behavior.

“Technology — when guided by proper safeguards and responsible use — empowers young Filipinos to learn, build skills, and reach their full potential,” Alampay said.

Amid discussions in Congress on limiting children’s gadget use, the Group underscored the need for a balanced and collaborative approach — combining safeguards, digital literacy, and parental guidance — to ensure children benefit from connectivity while remaining protected online.

These initiatives reflect the PLDT Group’s commitment to advancing child protection and supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 on promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions, particularly by ending violence against children.