Cebu City to block online gambling and VPNs on government networks
Measures introduced to regulate internet use within local government facilities.
Key points:
– Cebu City Council has approved a resolution to block access to online gambling sites and VPN applications on all government-managed internet networks
– The measure aims to prevent misuse of public internet and restrict gambling activities during work hours
According to reports in the Philippines, the Cebu City Government will implement restrictions blocking online gambling websites and Virtual Private Network (VPN) applications on all government internet networks.
The decision follows the approval of a resolution authored by Councilor Nyza “Nice” Archival at the 17th Sangguniang Panlungsod regular session on 22 July. The resolution instructs the city’s Management Information and Computer Services (MICS) office to impose technical blocks on all identified gambling domains and VPN applications on networks managed or provided by the local Government.
These restrictions will apply to internal government office systems as well as public Wi-Fi services. The intent is to regulate the use of public internet infrastructure and prevent employees from accessing gambling platforms during working hours.
Councilor Archival indicated that VPNs enable users to circumvent digital restrictions and access blocked gambling platforms. Blocking VPN software, browser extensions and mobile applications is intended to support enforcement efforts.
Good to know: Enforcement will combine technical network controls with disciplinary procedures for non-compliance
Violations will be subject to administrative sanctions under civil service regulations.
The resolution stated: “There is a growing concern regarding the misuse of government-provided internet connections to access online gambling sites and applications, which may lead to issues such as addiction, financial distress, moral decay and decreased productivity.”
The rise in VPN use to bypass gambling restrictions, as seen in markets like the UK, where illegal betting surged during major events, aligns with Cebu City’s decision to block VPNs and gambling sites to protect public networks and uphold regulatory compliance.
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