Globe blocks 1,345 illegal gambling sites in Q1 surge

Globe Telecom has intensified its efforts against illegal online gambling by blocking 1,345 domains in the first quarter of the year, marking a 967% increase compared to the same period last year.

In the detailed breakdown, the company reported 260 sites blocked in January, 855 in February, and 230 in March. The sharp rise follows a steady increase in blocked sites, from 52 in 2021 to 396 in 2022, and escalating to a total of 4,237 for the entire year of 2023.

Anton Bonifacio, Globe’s Chief Information Security Officer, emphasized the significant risks posed by illegal gambling sites.

“Illegal online gambling can have devastating financial and social consequences, fueling problematic gambling behavior and exposing users to potential fraud, malware, and cybercrime,” he said.

Bonifacio reaffirmed the company’s commitment: “We have an ethical obligation to make the internet safer and are continuing our relentless push to identify and prevent access to these unlawful sites on our network.”

The escalation in blocking efforts aligns with government warnings about the dangers of unlicensed online gambling, which include scams, credit card fraud, and identity theft. Authorities advise the public to engage only with licensed online gaming operations.

Furthering its commitment to a safer internet, Globe has invested over $2.7 million in advanced content filtering infrastructure. This system not only targets online gambling but also combats child pornography and online piracy, crucial components of Globe’s #MakeITSafePH initiative.

Launched in 2017, #MakeITSafePH aims to educate consumers about online risks and protective measures against illegal gambling and other cyber threats.

While Globe’s filtering technologies are robust, the company acknowledges that some individuals might still find ways to circumvent these protections. To combat this, Globe conducts ongoing digital literacy campaigns to empower customers to avoid malicious online content and practices.

Additionally, Globe collaborates with government agencies and other stakeholders to address various forms of online fraud, contributing to operations that have led to arrests and crackdowns on illegal activities.