PTAs faux pas

So PTA backtracks, for the time being, from ordering mobile network operators to filter abusive and obscene SMS content, but only after creating furore at home and being ridiculed abroad. The authority stayed put as the deadline of seven days to implement the November 14 order passed yesterday. The implementation is still pending at the end of MNOs, who have also resisted the move.
It is appalling how the PTA is operating under shadows of secrecy lately. While unsolicited communication is never welcomed, this was a matter that concerned over 100 million subscribers. Not a single press release was issued. It became public knowledge only after the alleged PTA letter to MNOs and the two lists containing over 1,500 objectionable words were leaked to local blogs and media outlets.
Surely, people get annoyed at obnoxious or vulgar messages, and no sane person would like to receive crank calls or read abusive messages. The issue is there and needs to be tackled. However, PTAs approach, which they will likely proceed with, is faulty at best, for a number of reasons.
First, it appears there was no clear criterion for the words that went into the two lists. Those who have seen the lists know that there are many words and phrases which do not qualify as vulgar or obscene. What to talk of medical jargons and general phrases, the list also sought to ban the use of the phrase Jesus Christ! Earlier this week, this issue surfaced in the Sindh Assembly and caught wider attention.
This is indeed some sloppy and hasty work done by the PTA. If reports circulating in the blogosphere are to be believed-that the alleged lists have been prepared by copying from external sources, including NFL Americas list of those banned words which their fans cannot put on their shirts-then it would amount to blatant plagiarism on PTAs part.
Secondly, the operational implications of banning a plethora of words are unfavorable, for both subscribers and service providers. Pakistanis send just under a billion SMSs every day. The deployment of proposed spam filters would cost the MNOs in terms of funds, time and human resource. Sources say that the processing time for SMS delivery and receipt would increase, bringing the quality of service down.
Moreover, MNOs fear a slowdown in SMS traffic because the lists contain commonly used words.
Thirdly, many people have now begun to feel that ground is being paved by the authorities for further tightening of information, communication and social media. It is feared that once the MNOs deploy the systems to filter and sift through private messages on a large scale, it would be easier for the authorities to put curbs on political and social activities by adding keywords as and when deemed convenient.
PTA is talking some sense now, but not total sense. Its spokesman told AFP yesterday that the authority would consult civil society representatives and MNOs to refine a much shorter list of words.
Be as it may, this approach of banning abusive words may not solve the issue of vulgar spam messages. Among other reasons is also the bulk SMS packages offered by MNOs that are a major reason behind general spam messages. The effectiveness of SMS and call block services offered by MNOs needs to be improved and action should be taken against those engaging in unsolicited communication.
Moreover, PTA needs to improve its own quality control tools and get tough with the MNOs. Clearly, it wouldn have come to taking such extreme steps had enforcement of prior regulations been stricter by the regulator. While PTA cannot police indecorous behavior into decency, they can certainly set their own house in order.