With the proliferation of online child abuse and inappropriate content accessed by children enabled by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. participated in the 2024 Asean ICT Forum on Child Protection held in Bali, Indonesia and reaffirmed continuing support to the Philippine government in contributing to regional efforts to protect children online.
As industry leaders and representatives of the private sector in the Philippines, PLDT and Smart joined Asean governments, industry, non-government organizations, youth groups, and civil society on dialogues about the state of children online and the impact of emerging technologies on the safety and wellbeing of young people in the region. This is their third straight year of participating in this regional forum which underscores meaningful private sector participation in the fight against all forms of exploitation and abuse on children online.
Asean member- states have crafted a regional plan of action that calls for an integrated and collaborative approach towards ensuring the protection of children online.
“As we in the Asean strengthen our plan of action to protect children online, we highlight the vital role of the private sector, including PLDT and Smart. We are confident that if we close ranks, both government and industry can work hand-in-hand to put an end to this social menace.”, said Professor Elizabeth Aguiling-Pangalangan, the Philippines Children’s Rights representative to the Asean Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children.
In response, PLDT and Smart president and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan said in a statement, “We heed the regional call for action and commit to continue engaging with the Philippine government and the Asean community to enable holistic solutions and reinforce measures to combat abuse and exploitation of children. PLDT and Smart regard child protection as a business imperative and will remain steadfast in promoting and ensuring the wellbeing of children online.”
