Philippines restricts access to gambling websites on state-funded Wi-Fi

(AsiaGameHub) –   The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has restricted access to gambling and explicit websites on all internet connections offered through the nation’s public Wi-Fi initiative.

The Philippines is striving to boost online safety for students and residents in remote areas while simultaneously expanding internet access via the government’s Free Wifi for All projects. This announcement was made during the launch of new connectivity initiatives in Zamboanga del Sur. As part of this new social service program, government officials confirmed that publicly subsidized internet connections in schools and educational institutions will utilize filtering systems.

June Vincent Manuel-Gaudan, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology, explained that filtering technology is used to prevent users from accessing gambling sites and pornographic materials through public government Wi-Fi networks.

While officials acknowledged that some individuals may attempt to bypass these restrictions using VPNs, Manuel-Gaudan stated that the DICT will continue to enhance its oversight of filtered Wi-Fi and the use of VPNs to get around those limits. The DICT also blocks thousands of cyber attack attempts daily through its Cybersecurity Bureau and assists other agencies with online security and data protection procedures.

In addition to the filtering systems mentioned above, the Philippine government recently installed 324 Wi-Fi hotspots at 108 schools across Zamboanga del Sur. Many of these schools are located in rural areas where limited internet access makes it extremely difficult to obtain information and communicate with family members.

These new restrictions are part of a broader plan being developed by the Philippines to strengthen supervision of online gambling, cybercrime, and internet safety, in conjunction with ongoing efforts to expand nationwide internet access through public infrastructure projects.