List of websites blocked in the Philippines
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Certain websites in the Philippines may be blocked by internet service providers (ISPs) in compliance with government orders, particularly those issued by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and other law enforcement agencies. The grounds for blocking include pornography, child exploitation, illegal gambling, and national security.
Pornographic websites (since January 2017)
[edit]Based on the order of the National Telecommunications Commission in January 2017, pornographic websites were blocked in accordance with Philippine laws such as Republic Act No. 9775 (Anti-Child Pornography Act) and Republic Act No. 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act).[1][2]
| Website | URL | Category | Primary Language | Year of Blocking | Status in some ISPs | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pornhub[3] | www.pornhub.com | Pornography | Multilingual | January 14–16, 2017–Present | Partially Blocked in some ISPs (NTC 2017) | Republic Act No. 9775 (Anti-Child Pornography Act) and Republic Act No. 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act). |
| XVideos[4] | www.xvideos.com | Pornography | Multilingual | January 14–16, 2017–Present | Partially Blocked in some ISPs | |
| XHamster[5] | www.xhamster.com | Pornography | Multilingual | January 14–16, 2017–Present | Partially Blocked in some ISPs | |
| RedTube | www.redtube.com | Pornography | Multilingual | January 14–16, 2017–Present | Partially Blocked in some ISPs | |
| Motherless[6] | motherless.com | Pornography | Multilingual | January 14–16, 2017–Present | Blocked | |
| YouPorn | www.youporn.com | Pornography | Multilingual | January 14–16, 2017–Present | Partially Blocked in some ISPs | |
| ThisVid | www.thisvid.com | Pornography | Multilingual | January 14–16, 2017–Present | Blocked | Republic Act No. 9775 (Anti-Child Pornography Act) and Republic Act No. 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act).
- DNS filtering is used to block the website. |
Other pornography websites
[edit]| Website | URL | Category | Primary Language | Year of Blocking | Status in some ISPs | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| alt.sex.stories | asstr.org | Erotic literature | Multilingual | January 1, 2023–Present | Blocked | May contain erotic content that does not comply with the policies of the NTC and may include inappropriate or illegal material |
International cryptocurrency exchanges
[edit]The Philippine government, through the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), began intensifying regulatory action against international cryptocurrency exchanges in 2024. On March 26, 2024, the SEC formally announced its decision to block Binance for operating without a license, citing violations of financial services regulations and the country’s Anti-Money Laundering Laws.[7] The following day, on March 27, 2024, the NTC ordered major telecommunications companies and internet service providers to restrict access to Binance’s website, though its mobile and desktop applications remained accessible.[8]
On April 19, 2024, the SEC sent letters to both Google and Apple requesting the removal of the Binance app from their respective app stores in the Philippines, expressing concerns that its continued availability posed a risk to the funds of Filipino investors.[9][10] By July 30, 2024, the SEC reaffirmed its stance, stating it remained optimistic that both Google and Apple would comply with its request.[11][12]
On August 1, 2025, the SEC escalated its crackdown by issuing directives to block ten additional international platforms, such as Bybit, Bitget, KuCoin, OKX, Kraken, and MEXC, after finding that they were conducting operations in the Philippines without the required registration as Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs).[13] These enforcement actions were grounded in SEC Memorandum Circular Nos. 4 and 5 (2025), issued under the Virtual Asset Act, which mandated that VASPs must establish a physical office in the Philippines, meet minimum capitalization requirements, and comply with reporting obligations.[13]
Although access to the websites of these exchanges was blocked by internet service providers starting in August 2025, most of their mobile and desktop applications continued to function, illustrating the difficulties regulators faced in fully implementing the restrictions. As of September 2025, the SEC has also formally requested that these cryptocurrency exchange applications, including Binance, be removed from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store in the Philippines; while the request is still under consideration by the platforms, the apps remain currently available for download.[14]
| Website | URL | Category | Primary Language | Year of Blocking | Status in Some ISPs | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Binance[15][16][17] | www.binance.com | Cryptocurrency | Multilingual | June 2024–Present
(Binance mobile app and desktop app are still accessible) |
Blocked | Does not provide license, taxes, or regulation to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); violates Financial Services Regulations and Anti-Money Laundering Laws.[18][19][20] |
| Binance (United States) | www.binance.us | Cryptocurrency | English (United States) | Not Blocked | Unblocked | Because it only exists in the United States and complies with U.S. laws and regulations. |
| Bitget | www.bitget.com | Cryptocurrency | Multilingual | August 1, 2025–Present
(Mobile app and desktop app are still accessible) |
Blocked | Operated in the Philippines without the required license or registration from the SEC as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP), violating SEC Memorandum Circular Nos. 4 and 5 (2025) under the Virtual Asset Act, which requires local registration, physical office presence, minimum capital, and compliance reporting.[21][22][23] |
| BitMart | www.bitmart.com | Cryptocurrency | Multilingual | August 1, 2025–Present
(Mobile app and desktop app are still accessible) |
Blocked | |
| Bybit | www.bybit.com | Cryptocurrency | Multilingual | August 1, 2025–Present
(Mobile app and desktop app are still accessible) |
Blocked | |
| CoinEx | www.coinex.com | Cryptocurrency | Multilingual | August 1, 2025–Present
(Mobile app and desktop app are still accessible) |
Blocked | |
| Kraken | www.kraken.com | Cryptocurrency | Multilingual | August 1, 2025–Present
(Mobile app and desktop app are still accessible) |
Blocked | |
| KuCoin | www.kucoin.com | Cryptocurrency | Multilingual | August 1, 2025–Present
(Mobile app and desktop app are still accessible) |
Blocked | |
| MEXC | www.mexc.com | Cryptocurrency | Multilingual | August 1, 2025–Present
(Mobile app and desktop app are still accessible) |
Blocked | |
| OKX | www.okx.com | Cryptocurrency | Multilingual | August 1, 2025–Present
(Mobile app and desktop app are still accessible) |
Blocked | |
| Phemex | www.phemex.com | Cryptocurrency | Multilingual | August 1, 2025–Present
(Mobile app and desktop app are still accessible) |
Blocked |
Online gambling and e-Sabong
[edit]Websites related to online gambling were blocked in accordance with the directives of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and Republic Act No. 9287 (An Act Increasing the Penalties for Illegal Numbers Games), as well as regulations against e-Sabong.
| Website | URL | Category | Primary Language | Year of Blocking | Status in some ISPs | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PokerStars | pokerstars.com | Online poker | English | May 3, 2022–Present | Blocked | Republic Act No. 9287
(An Act Increasing the Penalties for Illegal Numbers Games) |
| Betfair | betfair.com | Sports betting | English | May 3, 2022–Present | Blocked | |
| PartyPoker | partypoker.com | Online poker | English | May 3, 2022–Present | Blocked | |
| 888 Casino | 888casino.com | Casino games | English | May 3, 2022–Present | Blocked | |
| Golden Palace | goldenpalace.com | Casino games | English | May 3, 2022–Present | Blocked |
Progressive media and organizations (June 2022)
[edit]Websites of alternative media outlets and progressive groups were blocked pursuant to the order of the National Security Council in 2022, based on allegations that these were linked to terrorism or communism. Most of these groups have requested due process.[24][25][26]
| Website | URL | Category | Primary Language | Year of Blocking | Status with Some ISPs | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulatlat[27] | www.bulatlat.com | Alternative media | English and Filipino | June 2022–Present | Partially blocked by some ISPs | Red-tagging; alleged violation of the Anti-Terrorism Law. |
| Bagong Alyansang Makabayan[28] | www.bayan.ph | Progressive group | Filipino | June 2022–Present | Partially blocked by some ISPs | Alleged links to the
CPP–NPA; pursuant to the Anti-Terrorism Law. |
| CounterPunch[29] | counterpunch.org | American alternative media | English | June 2022–Present | Blocked | Alleged communist propaganda |
| Communist Party of the Philippines[30] | cpp.ph (redirects to philippinerevolution.nu) | CPP media arm | Filipino | June 6, 2022–Present | Blocked (cpp.ph)
(Not blocked: philippinerevolution.nu) |
Official website
of the CPP |
| Pinoy Weekly | pinoyweekly.org | Alternative media | Filipino | June 2022–Present | Blocked | Red-tagging; alleged links to the CPP–NPA–NDF |
| Save Our Schools Network | saveourschools.net saveourschoolsnetwork.wordpress.com |
Advocacy network | English | June 2022–Present | Blocked | Advocacy opposing
state policies; subject to red-tagging. |
| Rural Missionaries of the Philippines | ruralmissionaries.ph rmp-national.weebly.com |
Non-governmental organization | English | June 2022–Present | Blocked | Alleged links
to rebel groups |
| Pamalakaya-Pilipinas | pamalakayapilipinas.ph pamalakayaweb.wordpress.com |
Sectoral organization | Filipino | June 2022–Present | Blocked | Advocacy
group subjected to red-tagging |
| Monthly Review | monthlyreview.org | American international socialist site | English | June 2022–Present | Blocked | Allegedly
leftist content |
| Philippine Revolution Web Central | prwcnewsroom.org | CPP media arm | English and Filipino | June 2022–Present | Partially blocked by some ISPs | Official website
of the CPP |
| Liberation News | liberationnews.org | Activist news outlet (United States) | English | June 2022–Present | Partially blocked by some ISPs | Anti-government
/leftist views |
Other websites
[edit]| Website | URL | Category | Primary Language | Year of Blocking | Status in some ISPs | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| anonym | anonym.to | Redirect tool used to conceal the source site. | Multilingual | January 1, 2023–Present | Blocked | May be used to hide the actual destination of links, hindering the tracking of illegal content and may contain malicious links. |
| Trendsmap | trendsmap.com | Social media analytics | Supports only a few languages, but primarily focused on English. | January 1, 2022–Present | Blocked | May contain or display real-time data or location of social media activity (such as Twitter/X) that can be used for disinformation or harmful purposes. |
| YTS (also known as YIFY Torrents) | yts.mx | Torrent website that shares pirated or copyrighted films via torrent. | Multilingual | May 18, 2024–Present | Blocked | Republic Act No. 8293 (Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines)[31] |
References
[edit]
- ^ "ISPs Tasked to Block Just Child-Porn, Not All Adult Sites: NTC". GMA News. October 17, 2014. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ "Porn Sites Blocked as NTC Cracks Down on Child Pornography". GMA News. October 22, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ "Philippines Judiciary Site (RA 9775 Document)". Judiciary of the Philippines. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ "Anti-Child Pornography Act (RA 9775): Guidelines for Internet Service Providers". JURIST. August 2025. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "NTC Asks ISPs to Block Cyber Porn". Philippine Star. March 14, 2014. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ "Senators Back Government Order to Block Porn Sites". Philippine Star. January 18, 2017. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ Mercurio, Richmond (March 26, 2024). "SEC Proceeds to Block Binance Crypto Platform". Philippine Star. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
- ^ Rosales, Elijah Felice (March 27, 2024). "NTC to telcos: Block Binance". Philippine Star. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
- ^ Shumba, Camomile (April 23, 2024). "Philippines SEC Cracks Down on Unregistered Crypto Exchanges as New Rules Kick In". Cointelegraph. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
- ^ "SEC eyes removal of Binance from Google, Apple app marketplaces in PH". ABS-CBN. April 23, 2024. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
- ^ "SEC Shares Update on Binance App Ban Request to Google and Apple". BitPinas. July 30, 2024. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
- ^ Browne, Ryan (April 23, 2024). "Philippines orders Google, Apple to remove Binance from app stores". CNBC. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
- ^ a b Flores, Dominique Nicole (August 6, 2025). "10 crypto platforms targeted in SEC crackdown over lack of registration". Philstar.com. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
- ^ Haqshanas, Amin (August 5, 2025). "Philippines SEC cracks down on unregistered crypto exchanges". Cointelegraph. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
- ^ "NTC Orders Blocking of Unlicensed Crypto Exchanges". BitPinas. March 27, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ "Philippines Telecom Giants Start Blocking Binance Webpages". BusinessWorld. March 27, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ "Binance Faces Escalating Regulatory Pressure in Philippines; Blocked by Telcos". Finance Magnates. March 27, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ "SEC Proceeds to Block Binance Crypto Platform". Philippine Star. March 26, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ "NTC: Telcos Block Binance Access". Philippine Star. March 27, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ "Philippine Unlicensed Crypto Exchanges Blocked; Binance Still Accessible". Cointelegraph. March 27, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ "Philippines blocks 10 crypto exchanges; Bybit and Bitget blacklisted". IDN Financials. August 2, 2025. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
- ^ Flores, Dominique Nicole (August 6, 2025). "10 crypto platforms targeted in SEC crackdown over lack of registration". Philstar.com. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
- ^ Shumba, Camomile (August 6, 2025). "Philippines SEC Cracks Down on Unregistered Crypto Exchanges, Names Bybit, OKX, Bitget". CoinDesk. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
- ^ "What You Need to Know About Blocking of Bulatlat Website & 26 Others". Bulatlat. June 24, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ "NTC Orders Blocking of Websites Affiliated to Terrorist Organizations". Philippine Daily Inquirer. June 22, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ "What You Need to Know About Blocking of 27 Red-Tagged Websites". Manila Bulletin. June 22, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ "NTC Blocks 25 Red Websites upon Request of Esperon". OneNews.ph. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ "Philippines Blocks Over Two Dozen Websites Tied to Red-Tagged Movements". People’s Dispatch. June 23, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ "29 Websites Blocked Amid Red-Tagging Crackdown, Says PNA". Philippine News Agency. June 22, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ "Telcos Ordered to Block 27 Red-Tagged Websites". Philippine Daily Inquirer. June 23, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ "IPOPHL Issues First Site-Blocking Request on One of the World's Biggest Piracy Sites". Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines. Retrieved July 7, 2025.