Globe intensifies crackdown on illegal online gambling

May 5, 2024 #illegal online gambling

Sees 967% Q1 spike in blocked domains

In line with its campaign to make the Internet safe for all, Globe has blocked an increasing number of illegal online gambling sites, with a total 1,345 domains filtered off its network in the first quarter of the year.

The Q1 total represents a staggering 967% increase from the same quarter last year, when a total of 126 sites were barred. Of the total, 260 sites were blocked in January, 855 in February, and 230 in March.

Through a combination of network-level blocking measures and the deployment of content filtering systems, Globe is fighting to keep its customers safe from the harmful effects of online gambling operations.

“Illegal online gambling can have devastating financial and social consequences, fueling problematic gambling behavior and exposing users to potential fraud, malware and cybercrime. 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,” said Anton Bonifacio, Globe’s Chief Information Security Officer.

Globe has seen rising numbers of illegal gambling sites blocked, from only 52 sites barred when it started in 2021, to 396 in 2022 and a whopping 4,237 for full-year 2023.

The government earlier warned the public against illegal online gambling sites as these are hotbeds of scams, including credit card fraud and identity theft. It said the public should only use licensed online-based games.

Globe has invested over $2.7 million for an advanced content filtering infrastructure capable of detecting and restricting websites and imagery that promote not just online gambling but also child pornography and online piracy. This forms a key pillar of the company’s aggressive #MakeITSafePH program to foster a secure online environment.

#MakeITSafePH was launched in 2017 to educate consumers about pervasive online risks like illegal gambling and how they can protect themselves.

While these filtering measures are highly effective in restricting access to malicious content, Globe cautions that motivated individuals may still circumvent such restrictions. As such, it regularly conducts digital literacy campaigns to empower customers with the awareness and know-how to steer clear of shady online gambling operations and other dubious content.

Globe also works closely with government agencies and other stakeholders to address various forms of fraud, collaborating on operations that have led to the arrest of suspects.

To learn more about Globe, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/.