List of websites blocked in the Philippines

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Censorship on the web in the Philippines (2024).png
A 2024 notice that appears when attempting to access censored sites in the Philippines.
NTC website block notice.jpg
A 2020 notice by the National Telecommunications Commission informing the user that it has blocked access to Pornhub.
PLDT-Smart Prohibited Access Page.jpg
PLDT-Smart Prohibited Access Page

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.

Contents

Pornographic websites (since January 2017)

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]

WebsiteURLCategoryPrimary LanguageYear of BlockingStatus in some ISPsReason
Pornhub [3] www.pornhub.comPornographyMultilingualJanuary 14–16, 2017–PresentPartially 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.comPornographyMultilingualJanuary 14–16, 2017–PresentPartially Blocked in some ISPs
XHamster [5] www.xhamster.comPornographyMultilingualJanuary 14–16, 2017–PresentPartially Blocked in some ISPs
RedTube www.redtube.comPornographyMultilingualJanuary 14–16, 2017–PresentPartially Blocked in some ISPs
Motherless [6] motherless.comPornographyMultilingualJanuary 14–16, 2017–PresentBlocked
YouPorn www.youporn.comPornographyMultilingualJanuary 14–16, 2017–PresentPartially Blocked in some ISPs
ThisVidwww.thisvid.comPornographyMultilingualJanuary 14–16, 2017–PresentBlocked 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

WebsiteURLCategoryPrimary LanguageYear of BlockingStatus in some ISPsReason
alt.sex.stories asstr.orgErotic literatureMultilingualJanuary 1, 2023–PresentBlockedMay contain erotic content that does not comply with the policies of the NTC and may include inappropriate or illegal material

International cryptocurrency exchanges

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.

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]

WebsiteURLCategoryPrimary LanguageYear of BlockingStatus in Some ISPsReason
Binance [15] [16] [17] www.binance.com Cryptocurrency MultilingualJune 2024–Present

(Binance mobile app and desktop app are still accessible)

BlockedDoes 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.usCryptocurrencyEnglish (United States)Not BlockedUnblockedBecause it only exists in the United States and complies with U.S. laws and regulations.
Bitgetwww.bitget.comCryptocurrencyMultilingualAugust 1, 2025–Present

(Mobile app and desktop app are still accessible)

BlockedOperated 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.comCryptocurrencyMultilingualAugust 1, 2025–Present

(Mobile app and desktop app are still accessible)

Blocked
Bybit www.bybit.comCryptocurrencyMultilingualAugust 1, 2025–Present

(Mobile app and desktop app are still accessible)

Blocked
CoinExwww.coinex.comCryptocurrencyMultilingualAugust 1, 2025–Present

(Mobile app and desktop app are still accessible)

Blocked
Kraken www.kraken.comCryptocurrencyMultilingualAugust 1, 2025–Present

(Mobile app and desktop app are still accessible)

Blocked
KuCoin www.kucoin.comCryptocurrencyMultilingualAugust 1, 2025–Present

(Mobile app and desktop app are still accessible)

Blocked
MEXCwww.mexc.comCryptocurrencyMultilingualAugust 1, 2025–Present

(Mobile app and desktop app are still accessible)

Blocked
OKX www.okx.comCryptocurrencyMultilingualAugust 1, 2025–Present

(Mobile app and desktop app are still accessible)

Blocked
Phemexwww.okx.comCryptocurrencyMultilingualAugust 1, 2025–Present

(Mobile app and desktop app are still accessible)

Blocked


Online gambling and e-Sabong

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.

WebsiteURLCategoryPrimary LanguageYear of BlockingStatus in some ISPsReason
PokerStars pokerstars.comOnline pokerEnglishMay 3, 2022–PresentBlocked Republic Act No. 9287

(An Act Increasing the Penalties for Illegal Numbers Games)

Betfair betfair.comSports bettingEnglishMay 3, 2022–PresentBlocked
PartyPoker partypoker.comOnline pokerEnglishMay 3, 2022–PresentBlocked
888 Casino 888casino.comCasino gamesEnglishMay 3, 2022–PresentBlocked
Golden Palace goldenpalace.comCasino gamesEnglishMay 3, 2022–PresentBlocked

Progressive media and organizations (June 2022)

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]

WebsiteURLCategoryPrimary LanguageYear of BlockingStatus with Some ISPsReason
Bulatlat [27] www.bulatlat.comAlternative mediaEnglish and FilipinoJune 2022–PresentPartially blocked by some ISPsRed-tagging; alleged violation of the Anti-Terrorism Law.
Bagong Alyansang Makabayan [28] www.bayan.phProgressive groupFilipinoJune 2022–PresentPartially blocked by some ISPsAlleged links to the

CPP–NPA; pursuant to the Anti-Terrorism Law.

CounterPunch [29] counterpunch.orgAmerican alternative mediaEnglishJune 2022–PresentBlockedAlleged communist propaganda
Communist Party of the Philippines [30] cpp.ph (redirects to philippinerevolution.nu)CPP media armFilipinoJune 6, 2022–PresentBlocked (cpp.ph)

(Not blocked: philippinerevolution.nu)

Official website

of the CPP

Pinoy Weekly pinoyweekly.orgAlternative mediaFilipinoJune 2022–PresentBlockedRed-tagging; alleged links to the CPP–NPA–NDF
Save Our Schools Networksaveourschools.net
saveourschoolsnetwork.wordpress.com		Advocacy networkEnglishJune 2022–PresentBlockedAdvocacy opposing

state policies; subject to red-tagging.

Rural Missionaries of the Philippines ruralmissionaries.ph
rmp-national.weebly.com		Non-governmental organizationEnglishJune 2022–PresentBlockedAlleged links

to rebel groups

Pamalakaya-Pilipinaspamalakayapilipinas.ph
pamalakayaweb.wordpress.com		Sectoral organizationFilipinoJune 2022–PresentBlockedAdvocacy

group subjected to red-tagging

Monthly Review monthlyreview.orgAmerican international socialist siteEnglishJune 2022–PresentBlockedAllegedly

leftist content

Philippine Revolution Web Centralprwcnewsroom.orgCPP media armEnglish and FilipinoJune 2022–PresentPartially blocked by some ISPsOfficial website

of the CPP

Liberation News liberationnews.orgActivist news outlet (United States)EnglishJune 2022–PresentPartially blocked by some ISPsAnti-government

/leftist views

Other websites

WebsiteURLCategoryPrimary LanguageYear of BlockingStatus in some ISPsReason
anonym anonym.to Redirect tool used to conceal the source site.MultilingualJanuary 1, 2023–PresentBlockedMay be used to hide the actual destination of links, hindering the tracking of illegal content and may contain malicious links.
Trendsmaptrendsmap.comSocial media analyticsSupports only a few languages, but primarily focused on English.January 1, 2022–PresentBlockedMay 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.MultilingualMay 18, 2024–PresentBlocked Republic Act No. 8293 (Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines) [31]

References

  1. ↑ "ISPs Tasked to Block Just Child-Porn, Not All Adult Sites: NTC". GMA News. October 17, 2014. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  2. ↑ "Porn Sites Blocked as NTC Cracks Down on Child Pornography". GMA News. October 22, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  3. ↑ "Philippines Judiciary Site (RA 9775 Document)". Judiciary of the Philippines. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  4. ↑ "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)
  5. ↑ "NTC Asks ISPs to Block Cyber Porn". Philippine Star. March 14, 2014. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  6. ↑ "Senators Back Government Order to Block Porn Sites". Philippine Star. January 18, 2017. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  7. ↑ Mercurio, Richmond (March 26, 2024). "SEC Proceeds to Block Binance Crypto Platform". Philippine Star. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
  8. ↑ Rosales, Elijah Felice (March 27, 2024). "NTC to telcos: Block Binance". Philippine Star. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
  9. ↑ Shumba, Camomile (April 23, 2024). "Philippines SEC Cracks Down on Unregistered Crypto Exchanges as New Rules Kick In". Cointelegraph. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
  10. ↑ "SEC eyes removal of Binance from Google, Apple app marketplaces in PH". ABS-CBN. April 23, 2024. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
  11. ↑ "SEC Shares Update on Binance App Ban Request to Google and Apple". BitPinas. July 30, 2024. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
  12. ↑ Browne, Ryan (April 23, 2024). "Philippines orders Google, Apple to remove Binance from app stores". CNBC. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
  13. ↑ Flores, Dominique Nicole (August 6, 2025). "10 crypto platforms targeted in SEC crackdown over lack of registration". Philstar.com. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
  14. ↑ Haqshanas, Amin (August 5, 2025). "Philippines SEC cracks down on unregistered crypto exchanges". Cointelegraph. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
  15. ↑ "NTC Orders Blocking of Unlicensed Crypto Exchanges". BitPinas. March 27, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  16. ↑ "Philippines Telecom Giants Start Blocking Binance Webpages". BusinessWorld. March 27, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  17. ↑ "Binance Faces Escalating Regulatory Pressure in Philippines; Blocked by Telcos". Finance Magnates. March 27, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  18. ↑ "SEC Proceeds to Block Binance Crypto Platform". Philippine Star. March 26, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  19. ↑ "NTC: Telcos Block Binance Access". Philippine Star. March 27, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  20. ↑ "Philippine Unlicensed Crypto Exchanges Blocked; Binance Still Accessible". Cointelegraph. March 27, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  21. ↑ "Philippines blocks 10 crypto exchanges; Bybit and Bitget blacklisted". IDN Financials. August 2, 2025. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  22. ↑ Flores, Dominique Nicole (August 6, 2025). "10 crypto platforms targeted in SEC crackdown over lack of registration". Philstar.com. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  23. ↑ Shumba, Camomile (August 6, 2025). "Philippines SEC Cracks Down on Unregistered Crypto Exchanges, Names Bybit, OKX, Bitget". CoinDesk. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  24. ↑ "What You Need to Know About Blocking of Bulatlat Website & 26 Others". Bulatlat. June 24, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  25. ↑ "NTC Orders Blocking of Websites Affiliated to Terrorist Organizations". Philippine Daily Inquirer. June 22, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  26. ↑ "What You Need to Know About Blocking of 27 Red-Tagged Websites". Manila Bulletin. June 22, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  27. ↑ "NTC Blocks 25 Red Websites upon Request of Esperon". OneNews.ph. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  28. ↑ "Philippines Blocks Over Two Dozen Websites Tied to Red-Tagged Movements". People’s Dispatch. June 23, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  29. ↑ "29 Websites Blocked Amid Red-Tagging Crackdown, Says PNA". Philippine News Agency. June 22, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  30. ↑ "Telcos Ordered to Block 27 Red-Tagged Websites". Philippine Daily Inquirer. June 23, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  31. ↑ "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.
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