PLDT Inc. Ties Up with Google to Provide Safer Cyberspace for Filipino Children

PLDT Inc. has partnered with Google to make the internet a safer place for Filipino children. Through its “Be Internet Awesome” initiative, Google plans to educate families regarding online safety and digital citizenship. The prominent tech company launched this initiative in the country earlier in 2021. PLDT’s entry also forms part of the major telco’s commitment to further its customer-centricity and conducting business responsibly.

“This collaboration reinforces our child protection advocacies and responsibility to keep online spaces safe for all,” explained PLDT-Smart president and CEO Alfredo Panlilio. “As we strengthen customer-centricity, we not only find ways to simplify technology and elevate the quality of experience for customers of all ages but also strive to put their safety and well-being in the way we design and develop our products and services.”

“We are glad to have found a like-minded partner in PLDT who champions the same values when it comes to protecting kids online,” elaborated Google Philippines country director Bernadette Nacario. “Through PLDT and more potential partners in the future, we hope to scale Be Internet Awesome and provide more families with a practical way of teaching digital safety and wellness to their children so they can become responsible, confident explorers of the online world.”

The “Be Internet Awesome” program provides various materials such as modules and online games. This allows teachers, parents, and guardians to teach kids about digital literacy. Last year, over 20 schools last year participated in the piloting of these materials. Together with the Department of Education (DepEd), Google has since reached more than 12,000 students throughout Metro Manila at the end of 2021.

PLDT, likewise, institutionalized a Child Safeguarding Policy across its entire workforce. The telco firm has invested over ₱2 billion in its cybersecurity defenses. With this investment, it was able to deploy a Child Protection Platform geared to prevent access to child sexual abuse materials within its network. PLDT also engages with other child protection entities including the United Nations Children Fund, the Internet Watch Foundation, Canadian Center for Child Protection, International Justice Mission, and SaferKidsPH.

Source: Manila Times