
In a bid to curtail the availability of inappropriate and defamatory content on the internet, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority urged major social media platforms to block such content.
The telecom regulatory body receives around 500 complaints about inappropriate content on social media platforms, noted PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecommunications on Wednesday, chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan.
VPN registration and a partial ban on social media services
Regarding the suspension of internet and social media services in specific areas, the PTA chairman disclosed that besides the directives of the interior ministry, internet shutdowns were executed many times upon orders issued by the apex court.
In contrast to the government blocking virtual private networks (VPNs) as part of its nationwide VPN registration efforts to monitor online content, he claimed that he did not let VPNs be blocked.
More submarine cables to improve internet speed in Pakistan
The IT ministry secretary highlighted that three additional undersea cables, slated to be paved by next year, will result in enhanced internet speed across Pakistan, Geo News reported.
This comes as authorities concerned have been unable to stabilise strong internet speeds across the country.
The remarks made by the IT ministry secretary were corroborated by an IT ministry official, stating that four internet cables are impending to be landed soon, which will address the internet crisis Pakistan has been grappling with.