Tumblr Is Apparently Blocked in the PH After Being Tagged as… a Gambling Site?

(SPOT.ph) You might not have heard of Tumblr in years, but the community on the platform is still very much alive—alive enough that users noticed when it suddenly stopped loading for many users in the Philippines this week. Attempts to open the site lead to a notice that reportedly labeled Tumblr an “unlicensed gambling site.” We're just as confused as you are.

Reports about the issue started showing up on March 9 and 10 after users shared screenshots of the notice that said: “This website is not licensed by Philippine authorities. Many users have reported scams, fake games, and lost money that could not be recovered. Unlicensed gambling sites offer no government protection.” It also recommended visiting gambling websites that it said were “PAGCOR-approved.” The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is the government agency that regulates the country’s gaming industry.

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) said the situation is now under review.

“The CICC is currently investigating the series of reports raised by concerned citizens online regarding the alleged blocking of microblogging and social networking platform Tumblr in the Philippines,” the agency said in a statement. “The CICC assures that this matter is being reviewed with priority, and we will provide further updates once the investigation is completed.”

As officials look into the reports, Tumblr said it is already working to resolve the access issues affecting users in the Philippines.

“We’re heartbroken that users in the Philippines are currently unable to access Tumblr. We are aware of the issue and are working to resolve it… We hope to share a positive update soon.”

Discussion threads on Reddit and other forums filled with confused reactions from users trying to figure out what happened since the problem didn’t seem to affect everyone in exactly the same way.

Some users said Tumblr wouldn’t load when using certain internet providers such as PLDT, Smart, and Converge, while others said they could still access the platform through different networks like Globe or DITO. The mixed reports led many to test switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data—or vice versa—to see if the site would load.

The timing has led some users to suspect Tumblr may have been swept up in the government’s broader crackdown on illegal online gambling platforms. Earlier this month, the CICC said it had received more than 1,800 complaints related to online gambling sites from January to March, with officials stepping up enforcement efforts against illegal operators and promoters. That doesn't necessarily prove Tumblr was included in those efforts, but it does help explain why many users think the platform may have been caught in the wrong net.