PLDT, Smart block over 522k child abuse links

PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. continue to protect children online as they block more than 522,000 URLs linked to child sexual abuse materials (CSAM).

File photo: PLDT/Smart logos

Promoting the welfare of children online

In a statement, Angel Redoble, FVP and Chief Information Security Officer of PLDT and Smart, said the PLDT Group’s blocking technology played a key role in achieving this.

Our pioneering Child Protection Platform has allowed us to block CSAM online on the more difficult content level. By the end of November, we have prevented more than 1.3 billion attempts to open child abuse content, she said.

The PLDT Group's membership in the UK-based Internet Watch Foundation and the Canadian Centre for Child Protection’s Project Arachnid helped in boosting the reach of the company’s fight against child abuse. PLDT and Smart’s Cyber Security Operations Group (CSOG) regularly receive hashes connected to CSAM from the said organizations, which the telcos block.

The telcos also have other initiatives to further boost the fight against this crime.

We have adopted the Children's Rights and Business Principles framework and enacted a Child Safeguarding Policy that now guides us in applying a child rights lens into our policies, technology solutions, and shared value partnerships, from inside our organization, and outwards, to the communities where we operate, Melissa Vergel De Dios, Chief Sustainability Officer and Head of Investor Relations at PLDT and Smart, was quoted saying.

Cathy Yang, FVP and Group Head of Corporate Communications of PLDT and Smart, noted the company is working closely with relevant government agencies to further strengthen programs against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

For one, PLDT and Smart played an active role in strengthening the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act by pushing for the inclusion of the 'Good Samaritan' clause that would allow internet service providers (ISP) to immediately take down offensive materials without being held civilly, criminally or administratively liable. Both companies also said they are ready the crafting the law’s implementing rules and regulations.

The telcos have been also collaborating with the Department of Justice together with the International Justice Mission to strengthen the technology and the capacity of law enforcement to end OSAEC and prosecute perpetrators.

Internationally, PLDT and Smart joined the WePROTECT Global Alliance which allows them to tap global resources and connect with like-minded organizations and learn about their efforts to protect children in cyberspace. This program is backed by the United Kingdom Government, the European Commission, and the United States Department of Justice’s Global Alliance Against Child Sexual Abuse Online.

PLDT and Smart also explored capacity-building programs with ECPAT Philippines to raise awareness of OSAEC and facilitate learning opportunities for teachers and local caregivers.

They also partnered with Google to localize the "Be Internet Awesome" curriculum and produce a web series to promote safety and wellness online among kids and families.

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