Telecommunications firms PLDT and Smart Communications have opposed the indiscriminate blocking of online platforms, saying restrictions should instead target specific content that harms or exploits children.
The companies raised the position during the Protecta Pilipinas forum titled “Protecting Children in the Digital Age,” where government agencies, technology firms, civil society groups, and communities discussed measures to address online violence and child exploitation.
PLDT and Smart acknowledged their responsibility to help protect children online but sought clearer guidance on blocking harmful websites and content without exceeding legal boundaries.
The position comes amid government scrutiny of online platforms and proposals to impose tighter restrictions to protect minors. A congressional hearing on the proposed Children’s Social Media and Online Gaming Safety Act is also expected.
Protecta Pilipinas, an alliance involving telecommunications companies, technology firms, and government agencies, proposed adapting reporting mechanisms for child exploitation and consistently applying anti-exploitation tools across different networks.
The group also identified a potential role for financial technology companies in improving community monitoring of online exploitation.
The Council for the Welfare of Children described online safety as a child-rights issue, saying children need safe and meaningful access to technology for their development.
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, meanwhile, cited the borderless nature of online harms targeting young people. The Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Center said it was monitoring transnational networks involved in grooming and exploiting minors online.
Participants said technology providers need clear legal standards and government guidelines to act against harmful material while avoiding broad restrictions that could cut children off from legitimate digital services.
