PLDT, Smart block 2.1 million child abuse-linked websites
PLDT and Smart have blocked more than 2.1 million internet links connected to online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) over nearly five years, underscoring the growing scale of efforts to protect Filipino children in the digital space.
The telecommunications group said the figure covers the period from June 2021 to March 2026, as it reaffirmed its support for a nationwide campaign against online child abuse alongside other members of the Philippine Chamber of Telecommunication Operators (PCTO).
The companies also prevented more than 208,000 attempts to access child sexual abuse or exploitation materials (CSAEM) during the first three months of 2026 alone.
The commitment was reiterated during the recently concluded National Summit on Child Online Protection and Responsible Digital Industry Engagement, which gathered government agencies, internet service providers, technology companies, youth representatives and civil society organizations.
The summit sought to strengthen implementation of Republic Act 11930, or the Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM Law, through a coordinated, whole-of-nation approach.
PCTO Chairman Enrico delos Reyes said telecommunications companies recognize their responsibility as online abuse cases continue to exploit internet connectivity.
“As these things happen, we at PCTO are not bystanders. We carry all these with great sorrow and with great concern, and with an even greater resolve to act,” said delos Reyes.
The PCTO, whose members include PLDT and Smart, said the industry remains committed to supporting government efforts to combat online child exploitation.
During one of the summit’s panel discussions, PLDT and Smart Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa Vergel de Dios outlined the group’s child protection initiatives, ranging from technology solutions to community engagement programs.
Aside from blocking harmful content, the company said it has been working closely with law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting OSAEC cases. It also partners with the Council for the Welfare of Children in promoting the MAKABATA Helpline 1383, a reporting mechanism for child rights violations.
Vergel de Dios said the companies are also integrating child protection initiatives across their businesses and using their platforms to raise awareness.
“We aim to use our brands and our services to amplify our efforts and deliver our message on child protection even more strongly,” she said.
Consultations conducted with children, in partnership with Terre des Hommes Netherlands and child rights organizations, also revealed that cybersecurity and data privacy rank among the top concerns of young Filipinos.
PLDT and Smart said these findings are shaping future programs and policies.
The companies also pledged to continue involving children and young people in designing online safety initiatives.
“We commit to always recognize the agency of children and the youth in shaping and co-creating solutions that impact them. Children’s participation will continue to be at the heart of our efforts, and we look forward to working with our esteemed child rights partners to realize this,” said Smart Senior Manager for Regulatory Affairs Atty. Kenneth Reganon.
PLDT and Smart said they will continue working with PCTO in congressional hearings, public consultations and multi-sector discussions that help shape laws and national strategies against online child exploitation, including Republic Act 11930 and the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022.
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