NTC asked to block unregistered gambling websites

A group of digital advocates called on the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to block unregistered online gambling websites on Thursday amid concerns of possible cyber attacks.

In a letter sent to the NTC,  the group called "Digital Pinoys" said unregistered gambling websites expose players to possible phishing and unauthorized e-wallet transactions.

Digital Pinoys national campaigner Ronald Gustilo also said that illegally operating gambling websites have been proliferating on the internet and have been advertising aggressively despite lack of permits.

"illegal gambling sites should be taken down as soon as possible by the NTC as it poses great risks to Filipinos. Many of these sites have been advertising aggressively, using social media platforms and influencers,” said Gustilo.

GMA News Online has reached out to the NTC for their comment on the group’s request, but it has yet to reply as of posting time.

The digital advocacy group also stressed that many risks come with the operation of illegal gambling sites if left unchecked by the government.

Gustilo cited a report by the National Privacy Commission (NPC) that pointed out the wave of unauthorized transactions involving popular e-wallet platforms.

"As per the findings of the National Privacy Commission, the most prevalent cause of account compromise in e-wallet platforms is the patronage of illegal online gambling sites. Because they are illegal, the government does not have any regulation over the platform which makes it dangerous,” Gustilo said.

“They can use any and all data captured upon access to their site to whatever use they may want to. They can access your credentials, sell your information, and as what happened before, steal your money. Hence the urgency of blocking these sites before any other incident happens,” he said.

Gustilo also urged the PAGCOR and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to swoop down on the illegally operating unregistered online gambling sites. —VAL, GMA Integrated News.