Google Trends Search Interest for Flagged Crypto Exchanges Surge in PH After SEC Advisory

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Following the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) advisory flagging 10 unregistered crypto exchanges, Google Trends data reveals an increase in local search interest on these platforms. 

This analysis examines the Google PH search interest of 10 international cryptocurrency platforms flagged by the Commission using Google Trends over the past 30 days, from July 6 to August 6, 2025. All exchanges were categorized as “search term” for result consistency. 

Search Interest Increase

Over the past 30 days, Google Trends data shows a spike in search interest for several cryptocurrency exchanges.

• The spike in searches, particularly noticeable in the days following August 1, when the advisory was released and local telcos began blocking access, reveals a significant shift in public attention, likely driven by user concern, confusion, or attempts to regain access.

• OKX reached a peak interest score of 100, the highest across all tracked platforms, with Bybit close behind. KuCoin also showed the most consistent rise in search interest, gaining traction earlier than most others and spiking post-advisory.
• Platforms like Kraken, MEXC, Bitget, and Phemex experienced minor upticks in search activity around August 5–6, but nowhere near the levels of OKX or KuCoin.
• In contrast, exchanges such as Poloniex, CoinEx, BitMart, and Phemex showed minimal or isolated increases in search activity throughout the month. The slight rise in interest observed after August 1 aligns with the release of the SEC advisory listing these platforms.

In terms of the platforms’ averages over the past month, data shows that OKX (16) consistently registered the highest search interest among the exchanges flagged by the SEC. Kraken (9), Bybit (7), and KuCoin (6) followed with moderate levels of interest. On the other hand, MEXC (2), Bitget (2), and BitMart (3) showed only minimal activity, while Phemex, CoinEx, and Poloniex recorded virtually no measurable search interest during the same period.

Where were these platforms most searched?

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OKX

• Region XII (Soccsksargen)
• Davao Region
• Caraga
• Western Visayas
• Bicol Region

Bybit

• Central Visayas
• Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)
• MIMAROPA
• Eastern Visayas
• Zamboanga Peninsula

MEXC

• Ilocos Region
• Cagayan Valley
• Central Luzon
• Zamboanga Peninsula
• Metro Manila

KuCoin

• Ilocos Region
• Central Visayas
• Eastern Visayas
• Davao Region
• Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)

Bitget

• Zamboanga Peninsula
• Metro Manila
• Cagayan Valley
• Central Luzon
• Ilocos Region

Phemex

• Central Luzon
• Metro Manila

CoinEx

BitMart

Poloniex

• Central Luzon
• Metro Manila

Kraken

• Northern Mindanao
• Western Visayas
• Calabarzon
• Metro Manila
• Central Visayas

SEC Unregistered Crypto Platform Crackdown Timeline

August 4, 2025 – SEC Issues Advisory

The SEC released an official advisory warning the public against ten cryptocurrency exchanges for operating in the country without the required registration. 

These platforms, despite being accessible and actively marketed in the Philippines, were flagged for non-compliance with the SEC’s newly implemented Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) Rules and Guidelines. 

The SEC cited serious investor risks such as total loss of funds, lack of legal recourse, and exposure to fraud or identity theft. Additionally, concerns about national security were raised, emphasizing potential misuse for money laundering and terrorist financing.

August 6, 2025 – PLDT and Smart Begin Website Blocking

A day after the SEC’s advisory, major internet service providers PLDT and Smart began restricting access to the flagged exchanges. 

Reports confirmed that websites such as OKX and Bybit were no longer accessible via their networks. This move was seen as a direct response to NTC guidelines, which allow ISPs to centrally manage DNS services and block access to unauthorized platforms at the request of regulatory bodies like the SEC.

August 7, 2025 – Globe Joins in Blocking Access

Globe Telecom followed suit, implementing blocks on the same list of unregistered exchanges. 

BitPinas verified that users on Globe’s network could no longer access any of the ten flagged platforms, with connection attempts returning server errors. 

This article is published on BitPinas: Search Interest for Bybit, Bitget, OKX, 7 More Exchanges Spike on Google Trends After SEC Advisory

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