Microsoft, Yahoo, Google urged to join fight vs Internet smut

A Central Luzon lawmaker has urged Microsoft, Yahoo and Google to help the government in the fight against Internet pornography.

Pampanga Rep. Francis Nepomuceno, chairman of the House committee on civil service and professional regulation, said Internet sites are supporting the Chinese government’s drive against pornography.

Nepomuceno pointed out that in China, Microsoft, Yahoo and Google are blocking pornographic contents in the Internet and these can no longer be accessed by surfers.

A code of conduct and self-censorship are applied by Internet sites in China on any information that could be viewed by the government as pornographic or illegal.

He said blockade of porno Internet sites in China is a step in the right direction and can help ease the pain of the world community which is the dumping ground for a $10-billion porno industry.

"If porno can be stopped in our neighboring country, I urge Microsoft, Yahoo and Google to replicate their efforts in the Philippines," he said.

Nepomuceno said it is commendable if the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) will join in the blockade of porno in the Internet. The PLDT Vibe has gained acceptance in the country because it provides an easy access to Internet with minimum cost.

The lawmakers said it is unfortunate that the Philippines is feared as the cybersex capital in the world victimizing minor girls.

"Poverty, ignorance, distorted values drive these girls to be lured into the illicit cybersex trade which can be accessed thru the Internet," he said.

Nepomuceno said he is optimistic that if the joint efforts of Microsoft, Yahoo, Google and PLDT will materialize, it will open the door for the country to be freed from the evils of pornography.