Astonishing numbers

Globe Telecom Inc., a prominent telecommunications company in the Philippines, has disclosed a substantial surge in the number of illegal gambling sites blocked over the past year. 

In the first quarter of 2024 alone, Globe reported the blocking of 1,345 domains within its network for hosting illicit gambling content, marking an extraordinary 967% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2023.

In a statement released on Monday, Globe highlighted the alarming rise in illegal gambling platforms in recent years. 

The company's efforts to counteract this trend intensified as they blocked merely 52 sites in 2021, followed by 396 in 2022, and a staggering 4,237 in 2023. 

The proliferation of such sites poses significant risks, leading to devastating financial and social consequences.

Responsible internet

Anton Bonifacio, Globe's Chief Information Security Officer, emphasized the company's ethical responsibility to safeguard the internet and prevent access to unlawful sites on its network.

He underscored Globe's unwavering commitment to employing network-level blocking measures and deploying advanced content filtering systems to address the issue effectively.

In a bid to bolster its capabilities in detecting and restricting websites and imagery promoting illegal content, Globe has invested US$2.7 million to enhance its content filtering infrastructure. Bonifacio stressed that this investment forms a pivotal component of the company's aggressive#MakeITSafePHinitiative, aimed at fostering a secure online environment.

Globe Telecom Inc.'s proactive measures underscore its dedication to combatting the proliferation of illegal gambling activities online and promoting responsible internet usage within the Philippines.