The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has blocked more than 2,300 websites and 180 mobile apps for violating data protection rules, ARY News reported on Friday.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has blocked more than 2,300 websites and 180 mobile apps for violating data privacy rules, ARY News reported on Friday. The decision followed findings that these platforms were distributing users' personal data and identity information without their consent.
Sources reveal that the PTA is using its Web Monitoring System (WMS), which uses deep packet inspection technology to regulate Internet traffic at the gateway level. The PTA has started blocking unauthorized content using this new system, the sources said.
This action coincides with the ongoing disruptions in internet service in Pakistan, which are attributed to the implementation of internet firewalls at the country's main internet gateways to monitor and filter traffic, ARY News reported. In addition, the PTA noted that a fault in the submarine cable contributed to the recent internet disruptions in the country.
In response, veteran journalist Hamid Mir, through lawyer Imaan Mazari, filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court challenging the installation of the firewall and the internet shutdown. The petitioner argued that the installation of the firewall had significantly slowed down the internet speed, which was negatively affecting the youth, who are central to the digital economy.
The petition further calls for a halt to the firewall installations, highlighting their potential impact on fundamental rights. It was argued that such measures should only be implemented after consultation with relevant stakeholders and ensuring that fundamental rights are protected. The petitioner also calls for access to the internet for livelihood purposes to be recognised as a fundamental human right under the Constitution. The petitioner also requested a detailed report on the implementation of the firewall from the parties involved.
