Underscoring the importance of customer data protection in its transactions, PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have completed all the requirements to receive the Seal of Registration from the National Privacy Commission (NPC).

“This is aligned with our goal of implementing the best global practices when it comes to protecting our customers’ data privacy. We have been working closely with the NPC in taking the lead to do what is right by our customers, and in mobilizing our entire organization to put a premium on upholding data privacy in the way we design our systems, processes, products, and services,” said Leah Besa-Jimenez, Chief Data Privacy Officer at PLDT and Smart.

On the frontlines, PLDT and Smart continue to care for the privacy and security of the communities that they serve by implementing initiatives such as SIM registration via QR codes, and cybersecurity talks to educate customers. All employees, including store frontliners, also consistently undergo mandatory data privacy refresher courses that require 100% compliance at all levels across the organization. 

Working towards a safer internet for all
In 2023, PLDT and Smart reiterated their support to the initiatives of the NPC in protecting Filipinos’ data during the Commission’s visit to the headquarters. From customer service frontliners in the stores to the experts in the Cyber Security Operations Group (CSOG) Command Center, the telcos demonstrated their preparedness and capability to protect the privacy and security of their customers at various levels.

The PLDT Group has also been actively engaging global organizations, national government agencies and other likeminded institutions for a multistakeholder approach to combat online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) and child sexual abuse and exploitation materials (CSAEM)-related issues. As of end-2023, the PLDT Group has blocked 1.5 billion user attempts to access CSAEM. The PLDT Group has also invested heavily in its pioneering Child Protection Platform that blocks CSAEM at the more difficult content level.

Last year, the PLDT Group’s robust cybersecurity infrastructure fended off more than 16 billion attacks and attempts to breach its cybersecurity network. It also blocked more than 65 million SMShing messages. Smart, likewise, blacklisted more than 315,000 mobile numbers from its network.

PLDT and Smart’s broad program to reinforce cybersecurity and data privacy across the organization is a key ESG focus area of the PLDT Group, and underscores its commitment to elevate the quality of customer experience.