Despite significant efforts to curb online child exploitation, the alarming presence of non-photographic imagery (NPI) depicting child sexual abuse continues to be a serious issue. Telecom companies must intensify their actions to block such harmful content.

Backed by a $2.7-million investment in filtering technologies, Globe Telecom Inc. has reaffirmed its commitment over the weekend to online safety by blocking NPI, including AI-generated, computer-generated, and animated child sexual abuse material.

From 27 August 2024, when Globe first initiated NPI blocking, until 31 December 2024, the company has restricted access to 374 URLs and 13 domains flagged by its partner, the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF).

In addition to blocking NPI, Globe has restricted 3,096 domains containing child sexual abuse and exploitation material from January to December 2024.

CGI also damaging

The IWF, a leader in the fight against child sexual abuse material, warns that even non-photographic content like CGI or cartoons can be damaging to viewers and is illegal in many countries. It stresses that accidental exposure to such material can have lasting psychological consequences.

“Our dedication to online safety drives us to proactively detect and block harmful content, ensuring children are protected from sexual exploitation and other digital threats. Through advanced filtering technologies, we strive to maintain a safer and more secure online space for all,” Globe chief privacy officer Atty. Irish Krystle Salandanan-Almeida said.

Globe has invested over $2.7 million in cutting-edge content filtering technologies, aimed at detecting and preventing access to illegal material.