PTA blocks total of 933,775 objectionable URLs so far

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has blocked a total of 933,775 uniform resource locators (URLs) so far carrying objectionable/pornographic images, texts and videos in the country.

According to data available with Business Recorder, the PTA has blocked/processed URLs containing objectionable materials including anti-judiciary, 6,182, anti-state, 13,175, blasphemy, 53,654, defamatory/impersonation, 2,915, miscellaneous, 4,633, pornography, 831,674, proxy, 10,196 and sectarian/hate speech, 11,346.

Under section 37 of PECA, the PTA has the powers to remove or block information through any information system if it considers it necessary, under following categories; (a) blasphemy (against glory of Islam), (b) anti-state (against integrity, security or defence of Pakistan), (c) public order, (d) contempt of court, (e) pornography (against decency and morality), (f) and incitement of any offence under provisions of PECA 39.

The PTA has established "Web Analysis Directorate" to evaluate complaints received from different quarters and general public and block objectionable material over internet. For the general public to report objectionable contents, a call centre has been established by PTA supported by toll free call-in number 080055055, short code 8866 for SMS, landline 0519207059, and via web form available on PTA website.

In this regard, so far 933,775 links have been barred from access from Pakistan.

The government has promulgated the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act (PECA) in 2016 to address such online unlawful activities. The PTA has taken following steps in sensitizing general public regarding online safety: a) online advisories on PTA websites; b) periodic SMS broadcasts; c) advisories and awareness messages in local newspapers, and; d) posting of parental control software list on ISP's websites.