The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has directed the telecom companies to block text messages with clickable links, as part of initiatives to address text scams and fraudulent activities.
Last September 27, Ella Blanca Lopez, NTC commissioner, issued a revised memorandum that instructs telcos “to block or deactivate text messages containing clickable domains, URLs, URL shortening services links, Smart Links, and QR Codes.”
Unscrupulous individuals use such links to deceive recipients into revealing personal information, downloading malware or incurring unwanted charges, often by impersonating trusted entities or offering false incentives.
Globe Telecom Inc. lauded the NTC directive.
“We praise and embrace the NTC’s directive. We at Globe recognize its significance in our shared journey towards a safer digital landscape. In line with this proactive step, we reaffirm our commitment to reducing scams and fraudulent activities, ensuring that every message sent and received is one of trust,” said Anton Bonifacio, Globe chief information security officer.
Globe was first to initiate this measure in September 2022, filtering out all person-to-person (P2P) short messaging service (SMS) with clickable links within its network.
As text scams continue unabated, Globe reiterates its dedication to collaborating with government bodies, especially the NTC, in the relentless campaign against fraud and other forms of cybercrime.
In response to rising concerns about increasing spam and scam messages, especially those revealing the full names of mobile users, Globe started blocking all P2P SMS with clickable URLs in September last year.
This pioneering move positioned it as the sole telecom company to proactively block all such SMS at the time, Globe said.
This measure boosted Globe’s proactive blocking efforts resulting in a total of 2.73 billion messages blocked in 2022 that covers all malicious and suspicious SMS blocked, including those with clickable links.
Globe said it also deactivated close to 60,000 subscriber identity modules (SIM) last year for unwanted messaging.
As of the end of September this year, Globe has blocked a total of 2.59 billion spam and scam messages as well as deactivated 4,733 SIMs and blacklisted 150,287 linked to SMS fraud.
Globe has also invested $20 million to enhance its spam and scam SMS detection and blocking mechanisms.
It said its 24/7 Security Operations Center remains vigilant, filtering out undesired messages from both international and domestic sources, spanning app-to-person and P2P SMS. – Myla Iglesias
