Philippine telecommunications company GLOBE Telecom disclosed in a statement its efforts to step up efforts to combat illegal online gambling sites. The company reported a significant increase in the number of malicious websites blocked in the first quarter of 2024.
Globe's Chief Information Officer Anton Reynaldo Bonifacio stressed the importance of these actions, saying: "Illegal online gambling can cause serious financial losses and social consequences, promote problem gambling behavior and expose users to potential fraud, malware and The Threat of Cybercrime.”
Infrastructure investment
To strengthen its defense mechanisms, Globe said it invested $2.7 million (approximately 2.51 million euros) to strengthen its content filtering infrastructure system. This upgraded system can quickly detect and restrict malicious content, including piracy.
Take proactive measures
Globe said it has taken proactive measures to reduce the proliferation of illegal gambling sites. By implementing network blocking measures and content filtering systems, the company can protect its users from potential threats.
The telco said it filtered 1,345 domains referring to illegal online gambling websites, a significant increase from 126 sites in the same period in 2023.
Collaborative efforts amid growing cybersecurity concerns
The government has issued warnings about the risks associated with online gambling sites, especially at a time when fraud and cyberattacks are on the rise. Globe's actions are consistent with broader efforts to maintain cybersecurity standards while also protecting users from potential harm.
Commitment to Internet Safety
Bonifacio reiterated the company's commitment to ensuring a safer online environment, saying: "We have a moral obligation to make the Internet safer and continue to work tirelessly to identify and block our citizens' access to illegal websites on these networks."
Market Reaction
Following these announcements, market sentiment towards Globe Telecom remained positive. By taking proactive measures and investing in robust infrastructure, Globe Telecom demonstrates its commitment to combating online threats and prioritizing user security.