[NEWS]Philippines blocks gambling sites on government public Wi-Fi network

[acroman08]

According to the article, the Philippines blocks online gambling sites and porn on public Wi-Fi that it provides nationwide. From what I understand, the goal of the free Wi-Fi for all program is "to expand internet access to underserved areas, including geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities.". The article also said that the government is working with the Department of Education to encourage "to encourage digital literacy and responsible online behavior among students, while also providing cybersecurity training for teachers, parents and local communities.". The government also acknowledged that people who will use the free public WI-Fi might bypass the restriction through VPNs, they also said that they "continue to strengthen the monitoring and filtering system".

What's your opinion on this? Personally, I think it's common sense that they would implement the restrictions of blocking websites like online casinos and porn, even if people can easily bypass the restriction using VPNs, especially when this program can be accessible to everyone, including children/students.

The Philippines Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has confirmed that pornography and online gambling websites are blocked on all connections provided through its expanding free public Wi-Fi program, as the government seeks to promote safer internet access for students and remote communities.
Speaking during the launch of new connectivity projects in Zamboanga del Sur province in the southern Philippines, DICT officials said the restrictions are part of broader safeguards built into the country’s publicly funded internet infrastructure, particularly at schools and educational facilities.

DICT Assistant Secretary June Vincent Manuel-Gaudan said the agency uses filtering technologies to prevent users from accessing “pornographic and gambling sites” through government-provided Wi-Fi services. The initiative forms part of the Philippines’ nationwide Free Wi-Fi for All program, which aims to expand internet access to underserved areas, including geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities.

Officials stressed that the program is not solely focused on connectivity, but also on responsible internet use and cybersecurity awareness. DICT said it is working closely with the Department of Education (DepEd) to encourage digital literacy and responsible online behavior among students, while also providing cybersecurity training for teachers, parents and local communities.

Regional Director Cheryl Ortega said the agency provides “complementary content, applications and orientation on the proper use” of internet services alongside infrastructure deployment. The department acknowledged that some users may still attempt to bypass restrictions through tools such as virtual private networks (VPNs), but said it continues to strengthen monitoring and filtering systems.

DICT also disclosed that its Cybersecurity Bureau blocks thousands of cyberattack attempts each day and assists other government agencies with data protection and online security measures. The latest rollout saw the launch of 324 free Wi-Fi hotspots across 108 schools in Zamboanga del Sur, many of them located in remote areas with limited internet connectivity.

The Philippines has in recent years taken a more active approach to regulating online content and digital services, including tighter scrutiny of illegal online gambling operations and cybercrime activities.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

At least they can stop Filipinos from accessing those websites.

You can used your own data or when you are at home, you can use your ISP. Maybe since it's free Wifi, then they will have to limit itself as obviously they don't want it to be used by gamblers in the Philippines.

So I would say that this is just something that they can do, but not enough to control the population to gamble.

[coinrifft]

I don't usually use free Wi-Fi network when I'm out. But with this news, I think this is good as this is being rolled out by our government not to be used in gambling, but during emergencies when you have to contract someone.

It might have added some operation cost if I'm not mistaken, as the Wi-Fi provider will have to provide a filter on everyone uses this free services. But overall, it's a good move by our government not to be taken advantage by gamblers.

[Free Market Capitalist]

What's your opinion on this? Personally, I think it's common sense that they would implement the restrictions of blocking websites like online casinos and porn, even if people can easily bypass the restriction using VPNs, especially when this program can be accessible to everyone, including children/students.

I think it is OK. If anyone wants to watch porn or gamble, they should do it using their own data or their own Wi-Fi.  Are you sure those restrictions can be bypassed, by the way? If the government's Wi-Fi is blocking those sites, it shouldn't matter where the user is supposedly trying to access them from.

[cryptoaddictchie]

I don't usually use free Wi-Fi network when I'm out. But with this news, I think this is good as this is being rolled out by our government not to be used in gambling, but during emergencies when you have to contract someone.

It might have added some operation cost if I'm not mistaken, as the Wi-Fi provider will have to provide a filter on everyone uses this free services. But overall, it's a good move by our government not to be taken advantage by gamblers.

Same for me bot a big deal anyway, as connecting to public free wifi might get us even connected to unsafe network that could be manipulated by some hackers. Even on Hotel accomodations I rarely use my phone with crypto funds connected to these and only my extra phone which I only use to browse social networks and some sites.

I dont see something wrong with it anyway but see it as a positive move too on their side.

[Die_empty]

What's your opinion on this? Personally, I think it's common sense that they would implement the restrictions of blocking websites like online casinos and porn, even if people can easily bypass the restriction using VPNs, especially when this program can be accessible to everyone, including children/students.

The free internet connection is for the education of people in a disadvantaged area. People in these areas should be concerned about personal development and not gambling or pornography. I support what the government is doing. Anyone who wants to gamble or view pornographic content should buy data.

This viable program of the governemnt can be misused. People might end up spending more time viewing irrelevant materials on the internet while they give less attention to education and skill acquisition.

[joeperry]

The free internet connection is for the education of people in a disadvantaged area. People in these areas should be concerned about personal development and not gambling or pornography. I support what the government is doing. Anyone who wants to gamble or view pornographic content should buy data.

I agree with this one, they should really ban gambling sites on public Wi-Fi so people especially minors would discourage from playing on it, for me making it available through public Wi-Fi is the same as promoting it to everyone. For me the public Wi-Fi should be used for emergency, research, etc. and not for gambling. I'm just curious now about other country, do they allow public to access gambling sites or adult websites on their Wi-Fi?

Also a good tip to everyone, don't connect to public Wi-Fi unless you have VPN, for security purposes. (though it's really up to you if you don't want to use)

[Karl_3000]

But gambling is not banned in Philippines, only gambling is banned when people in the country connect to the government WiFi.

About the porn, the people can just use VPN or Tor to access the site.

For gambling, many gambling sites against gambling, so they may not use the government public WiFi for connection to access gambling sites.

[Taskford]

According to the article, the Philippines blocks online gambling sites and porn on public Wi-Fi that it provides nationwide. From what I understand, the goal of the free Wi-Fi for all program is "to expand internet access to underserved areas, including geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities.". The article also said that the government is working with the Department of Education to encourage "to encourage digital literacy and responsible online behavior among students, while also providing cybersecurity training for teachers, parents and local communities.". The government also acknowledged that people who will use the free public WI-Fi might bypass the restriction through VPNs, they also said that they "continue to strengthen the monitoring and filtering system".

What's your opinion on this? Personally, I think it's common sense that they would implement the restrictions of blocking websites like online casinos and porn, even if people can easily bypass the restriction using VPNs, especially when this program can be accessible to everyone, including children/students.

The Philippines Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has confirmed that pornography and online gambling websites are blocked on all connections provided through its expanding free public Wi-Fi program, as the government seeks to promote safer internet access for students and remote communities.
Speaking during the launch of new connectivity projects in Zamboanga del Sur province in the southern Philippines, DICT officials said the restrictions are part of broader safeguards built into the country’s publicly funded internet infrastructure, particularly at schools and educational facilities.

DICT Assistant Secretary June Vincent Manuel-Gaudan said the agency uses filtering technologies to prevent users from accessing “pornographic and gambling sites” through government-provided Wi-Fi services. The initiative forms part of the Philippines’ nationwide Free Wi-Fi for All program, which aims to expand internet access to underserved areas, including geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities.

Officials stressed that the program is not solely focused on connectivity, but also on responsible internet use and cybersecurity awareness. DICT said it is working closely with the Department of Education (DepEd) to encourage digital literacy and responsible online behavior among students, while also providing cybersecurity training for teachers, parents and local communities.

Regional Director Cheryl Ortega said the agency provides “complementary content, applications and orientation on the proper use” of internet services alongside infrastructure deployment. The department acknowledged that some users may still attempt to bypass restrictions through tools such as virtual private networks (VPNs), but said it continues to strengthen monitoring and filtering systems.

DICT also disclosed that its Cybersecurity Bureau blocks thousands of cyberattack attempts each day and assists other government agencies with data protection and online security measures. The latest rollout saw the launch of 324 free Wi-Fi hotspots across 108 schools in Zamboanga del Sur, many of them located in remote areas with limited internet connectivity.

The Philippines has in recent years taken a more active approach to regulating online content and digital services, including tighter scrutiny of illegal online gambling operations and cybercrime activities.

This is not bothering news at all and I find it good action done by government since anyone can actually access easily on those free wifi they put on certain areas. This is actually good way to lessen up the casualty of possible bad effects of gambling.

Imagine if there are minors or kids can easily access because there are free wifi in their area, this will be so disastrous for young people in Philippines.

Philippines is so active taking action related to illegal gambling operation, but still its unfortunate to see that they are allowing those regulated casinos since its still give same bad effect to person who got addicted on gambling.

[freedomgo]

All I can say is that it is a good idea, because it is free WiFi, and people using it for gambling is just insane.

The government provides that program so people can access the internet for free, especially those who cannot afford a subscription. So it is only right that they make sure it will not be used for online gambling or porn, because those things are not really helpful for people who are already in poverty. It will only make their life harder.

But honestly, this will not really affect gamblers that much. If we can gamble, then for sure we can afford to pay for internet. Some people can gamble $5 or more per day, so I’m pretty sure they can also afford mobile data or some unlimited internet promo.

Even a small data load is enough, or they can buy those non-expiry data promos and just use it for gambling purposes. So this restriction is more about protecting public WiFi from being abused, not really stopping real gamblers completely.

[coin-investor]

That's the right thing to do; they are aware that the free WiFi will be used to access gambling sites and porn sites, so people who are going to use the government's free WiFi are people who will use the free WiFi for useful means, like students doing a thesis or parents communicating with their children working abroad.
The government is fully aware of people who are hooked on gambling apps like Scatter, so they don't want these people to avail of the free WiFi.

[Satofan44]

What's your opinion on this? Personally, I think it's common sense that they would implement the restrictions of blocking websites like online casinos and porn, even if people can easily bypass the restriction using VPNs, especially when this program can be accessible to everyone, including children/students.

If anyone in this topic ends up being against this, they are in the wrong and an idiot. Nobody should get subsidized access to online casinos and porn. Public Wi-Fi networks are not free, nothing is free -- it is paid by the taxpayers. As such, these measures that are intended to improve internet connectivity access should do so primarily for good things and not stuff like that. This is a long overdue measure. In fact, they could also block VPNs as well. If you want to use a VPN, get your own fucking internet. If you can afford a VPN, you can afford an internet connection.

All I can say is that it is a good idea, because it is free WiFi, and people using it for gambling is just insane.

The world would be so much better of if we had some sort of culling of the bad examples of the herd. Maybe not in this forum, but there are for sure entitled idiots who have used this kind of WiFi for gambling and are not complaining about it. They would not have instituted this ban unless there was sufficient use of the networks for these purposes.

But honestly, this will not really affect gamblers that much. If we can gamble, then for sure we can afford to pay for internet. Some people can gamble $5 or more per day, so I’m pretty sure they can also afford mobile data or some unlimited internet promo.

Many people in many cultures try to exploit any and every thing that is free, that is a terrible fact that many in this place will refuse to admit. "Racist" or some other degenerate mind numbing shit they would say, meanwhile a large % of humans act worse than real vultures.

[julerz12]

What's your opinion on this? Personally, I think it's common sense that they would implement the restrictions of blocking websites like online casinos and porn, even if people can easily bypass the restriction using VPNs, especially when this program can be accessible to everyone, including children/students.

Totally acceptable, especially since the free Wi-Fi that our government has provided is usually placed in schools as well; I know, because I've personally seen one in my kid's elementary school. You wouldn't want to see a school teacher playing slots on his phone or worse, watching anything R-rated near your kids.  

[asriloni]

The government also acknowledged that people who will use the free public WI-Fi might bypass the restriction through VPNs, they also said that they "continue to strengthen the monitoring and filtering system".

Oh wow! This is showing how smart they are.   Just use mobile data + proxy or dns change or vpn. It will solve people problem by getting censorship by PH regulators.

What's your opinion on this? Personally, I think it's common sense that they would implement the restrictions of blocking websites like online casinos and porn, even if people can easily bypass the restriction using VPNs, especially when this program can be accessible to everyone, including children/students.

Whatever they do mean nothing unless they're telling any of mobile celular provider to block access to it. However, there are thousands of way to bypass it. Why don't they just say if they failed to solve the actual problems?

Doing censorshio means nothing because people are so smart these days to bypass it.

[Dr.Bitcoin_Strange]

Well, at list it's better than completely banning gambling from the country just like what some other countries have done in the past. There are always lots of people in every country who are lovers of gambling and it's difficult for them to handle the fact that gambling is ban. In this case, players who are so in love with gambling can still use their personal service provider to browse the gambling website that they are using, meanwhile those who do not really have big interest in gambling will still use the opportunity to stop gambling. Personal, I don't think this is a big problem.

[EluguHcman]

What's your opinion on this? Personally, I think it's common sense that they would implement the restrictions of blocking websites like online casinos and porn, even if people can easily bypass the restriction using VPNs, especially when this program can be accessible to everyone, including children/students.

In that case, the government will look out to any online program that has the potential influence vulnerables such the gambling, porns and others which could put students and kids to risks by exposing them to adult activities which as well could cause distractions in the regions.

This move of users connecting their internet networks on the public Wi-Fi could as well be a point of risk for crypto users who are connected to the public internet because hackers at the backend could use the medium to get access to their device and steal their funds.

With how gambling regulations is becoming strict in the Philippine, blocking these gambling sites on that cause could also trigger setback to the online casino by reducing the capacity of the users.

[stadus]

I don’t think it is really surprising, because this is a government-sponsored program. Before they launched it, they probably already made sure that these kinds of online activities would be blocked.

Especially since most users are probably minors, students, or people who are more prone to risky activities online. That is why gambling and porn are included in the restrictions.

And honestly, it is also not good for us gamblers to use public WiFi. Our accounts might be mistaken for possible violations like multi-accounting or bonus abuse, because casinos may see many users connected from the same router and sharing the same IP address.

So for me, it is better not to use public WiFi for gambling at all. It is risky for security, and it could also create problems with the casino account later.

[TSen]

That's the right thing to do; they are aware that the free WiFi will be used to access gambling sites and porn sites, so people who are going to use the government's free WiFi are people who will use the free WiFi for useful means, like students doing a thesis or parents communicating with their children working abroad.
The government is fully aware of people who are hooked on gambling apps like Scatter, so they don't want these people to avail of the free WiFi.

Students are usually broke though, so this free WiFi supplied by the government is a big help for them. For those parents that has a children working abroad, I think they can afford to install a postpaid plan already. And it is necessary because they will likely call their children from time to time.

As to those who play gambling, gambling is not even free to begin with. Then most gamblers usually allocate a lot of money on here. So if they can afford it, it is hard to think that they can not do the same for their internet. I admit that I am also a gambler and I'm not even rich but I make sure that I always have an internet to be able to play if my urge to gamble kicks in.

[ryzaadit]

What do u expect.

Any free-stuff will always comes with some rules. IMO, these is the most common things they usually restricted any kind of site especially at least "porn" also is depends on the database link has been restricted.

One things people should know, most of site are running or targeting "Asia" always having such many mirror link and the link it self are based on "IP" not a name casino. They have these many mirror link cause majority casino in "Asia" is always being blocked by ISP and Goverment.

[giammangiato]

What's your opinion on this? Personally, I think it's common sense that they would implement the restrictions of blocking websites like online casinos and porn, even if people can easily bypass the restriction using VPNs, especially when this program can be accessible to everyone, including children/students.

A service offered is right to be controlled, the purpose is to educate the population and provide a useful service for their future, obviously not foreseeing gambling or pornographic sites can only be a good thing.
Those who intend to use the internet for personal purposes, whether visiting porn sites or gambling, can do so easily from their personal connection (also because gambling still requires money). If the service is provided for the disadvantaged population, it is a contradiction.
I consider this by the Philippine Government to be an important, cutting-edge choice, a choice that does it credit.