Philippine telecommunications firm Globe has called for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to tackle increasing online threats to child safety, reinforcing its commitment to internet safety on Safer Internet Day.
The company warned that the rapid advancement of digital technology has made the internet both an essential tool and a potential risk, exposing children to exploitation and harm. The Philippines remains the world’s leading producer of online child sexual abuse and exploitation content, according to a study by the U.S.-based National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
“Public and private sectors need to work closely together, now more than ever, to fight growing threats to child safety online. In today’s highly digital world, it takes the whole nation to protect every Filipino child,” said Carlo Santos, Senior Director for Analytics and Stakeholder Engagement at Globe.
Globe has invested $2.7 million in content-filtering technology to block malicious sites, including those hosting child sexual abuse material. In 2024, it blocked 3,096 child pornography domains and URLs, including 387 instances of AI-generated or computer-generated imagery depicting child abuse.
The company collaborates with government agencies, the Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators (PCTO), and the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) to address online threats against children. While such efforts provide immediate intervention, Globe stressed the need for long-term solutions.
Digital Literacy and Economic Support
Globe continues to promote online safety through its Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP), which educated 6,194 young Filipinos in 2024 on protecting themselves from online risks. It also runs the MakeItSafe website to help parents recognize digital language with potential hidden sexual connotations.
The company’s Senior Digizen program trains senior citizens to recognize and avoid online scams, while The Hapag Movement, launched in 2023, has provided food and livelihood assistance to more than 120,000 families to curb poverty-driven online exploitation.
Globe urged policymakers, industry leaders, and the broader community to strengthen efforts in building a safer digital environment for future generations.
CebuLifestyleChannel.ph