Pakistan Blocks 2,300 Websites and 180 Apps for Privacy Violations
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has blocked over 2,300 websites and 180 mobile apps for violating privacy rules by sharing users’ personal data without consent. This action was reported by ARY News on Friday.
Sources revealed that the PTA’s Web Monitoring System (WMS) uses deep packet inspection technology to monitor and control internet traffic at the gateway level. The PTA has started blocking illegal content with this new system.
This development comes at a time when Pakistan is experiencing internet service disruptions. These issues are linked to the implementation of internet firewalls installed at the country’s main internet gateways to monitor and filter traffic. Additionally, a fault in the submarine cable has contributed to the recent internet disruptions.
Following these events, senior journalist Hamid Mir filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court against the installation of firewalls and internet shutdowns. The petition, filed through lawyer Imaan Mazari, argues that the firewall installation has drastically reduced internet speed, negatively impacting the youth who are vital to the digital economy.
The petitioner requested that the installation of firewalls, which could potentially impact citizens’ fundamental rights, be halted. He argued that such installations should only proceed after consulting relevant stakeholders and ensuring the protection of fundamental rights. Additionally, the petitioner urged that access to the internet for livelihood purposes be recognized as a fundamental human right under the Constitution. The petition also requested a detailed report on the firewall implementation from the involved parties.
Doubts Revealed
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) -: PTA is a government organization in Pakistan that manages and regulates all telecommunication services, like phone and internet, in the country.
Privacy violations -: Privacy violations happen when someone’s personal information is shared or used without their permission. This can include things like your name, address, or phone number.
Internet disruptions -: Internet disruptions mean that the internet is not working properly. This can make it hard to use websites, apps, or even send messages.
Internet firewalls -: Internet firewalls are like security guards for the internet. They help protect computers and networks from bad things like viruses or hackers, but they can also slow down the internet.
Hamid Mir -: Hamid Mir is a well-known journalist in Pakistan. He reports news and writes articles about important issues in the country.
Petition -: A petition is a formal request signed by many people asking for a change or action. In this case, Hamid Mir is asking the government to stop installing internet firewalls.
Fundamental human right -: A fundamental human right is something very important that everyone should have, like the right to live, to be free, or to have access to the internet.
