DOJ wants ISPs, telcos to guard platforms vs. online sex exploitation

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday called on internet service providers (ISPs) and telecommunication firms to implement safety measures to keep online sexual exploitation off theircontent.

According to Maki Pulido’s report on “24 Oras”, DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said various technologies including filters should be used by telcos and ISPs to prevent their platforms from being used for online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).

Remulla warned charges may be filed against the ISPs and telcos for being accessories to the crime. Social media sites operating in the country were likewise warned.

“Kapag hindi nag-cooperate ang ISPs at nakakalusot lagi. There's a pattern na lumulusot sa kanila, we will also include them," Remulla said.

"Para itong nagmamaneho ka ng sasakyan, gagamitin sa armed robbery, tapos sasakay ulit sila, aalis. Ganoon ang nature ng telcos at ISPs,” he added.

(If the ISPs won’t cooperate and these crimes will continue, we will also include them. It’s like you’re driving a car that will be used for armed robbery and then the thieves will ride again before leaving again. That’s the nature of telcos and ISPs.)

GMA News has reached out to Globe Telecom, Inc. for its comment its has yet to reply as of posting time.

PLDT-Smart said it already started using a technology that can filter and prevent attempts of online sexual exploitation.

Since the implementation of its child protection platform last year, the company said it had already blocked 1.3 billion attempts to open the web and host sexual exploitation against children content.

There were also 400 URLs which have been blacklisted.

Meanwhile, the DOJ said it will launch a hotline for individuals who would want to testify on the ongoing investigation of the missing online cockfighting enthusiasts or “e-sabong”. 

Should their testimonies lead to prosecution, Remulla said the government would give them protection and financial assistance. —Sundy Locus/NB, GMA News