Manila, March 5 -- Telecommunications service provider PLDT-Smart has blocked 83,000 attempts to open child abuse links in January.

In a news release on Thursday, PLDT-Smart first vice president Roby Alampay said the crackdown was enabled by the company's blocking tools against Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEMs).

"As technology enablers, PLDT and Smart recognize their role in providing a safe digital space that allows children to grow and pursue their passions," Alampay said.

These blocked CSAEMs include blacklisted URLs, images and other illicit online child-related content.

"Unlike traditional filters that block entire websites, the system intercepts illicit material at the specific URL or digital 'hash' level, re...