The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has allowed telcos to quickly block access to dangerous websites, including those used for phishing, malware, and the spread of fake news.
The order was issued through National Telecommunication Commission Memorandum Circular No. 001-01 s. 2025, which sets new guidelines for internet traffic management and reporting by internet service providers, the DICT said Sunday in a statement.
Under the rules, all Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are required to use Protective Domain Name System (PDNS), which functions as a powerful “internet shield,” scanning DNS queries in real time and blocking access to dangerous websites, including those used for phishing, malware, and the spread of fake news.
By blocking these threats before they reach users, the PDNS serves as a proactive line of defense against the internet’s darker elements, the DICT said.
In line with this, the DICT’s Cybersecurity Bureau, the NTC and the telecom companies met on May 5 to refine roles, reporting mechanisms, and technical integration.
This laid the foundation for the nationwide rollout of the Protective Domain Name System (PDNS), which DITC said is a key step in shielding Filipino internet users from online threats.
During the discussions, major telecommunications companies—Globe Telecom, Smart Communications, PLDT, Converge ICT Solutions Inc., Infinivan, and PT&T committed to an interim solution involving manual threat blocking while automated systems are developed.
This transitional phase enables the DICT to provide domain threat feeds, allowing telcos to quickly block harmful websites and ensure immediate protection for users.
“This is Digital Bayanihan in action,” said DICT Secretary Henry Aguda in the department’s statement. “With these initial steps, we’re ensuring a safe Bagong Pilipinas – one where every Filipino deserves to navigate the web confidently.”
