Pakistan Uses Web Monitoring System to Block Online Content
In a recent session of Pakistan’s National Assembly, it was revealed that the Web Monitoring System (WMS) is being used to block online applications and websites. The Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA) is responsible for this under Section 37 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016.
The PTA has blocked 469 mobile applications, including those against the glory of Islam, indecent content, and fraudulent activities. The WMS, acquired from Canada-based Sandvine for USD 18.5 million in 2018, was upgraded in December 2023, leading to internet slowdowns.
Despite these efforts, content can still be accessed through VPNs. Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has been officially blocked since February 17, but government officials continue to use it, possibly via VPNs.
Doubts Revealed
Pakistan -: Pakistan is a country in South Asia, located next to India.
Web Monitoring System (WMS) -: The Web Monitoring System (WMS) is a tool used to keep an eye on and control what people can see and do on the internet.
National Assembly -: The National Assembly is a group of people in Pakistan who make laws and discuss important issues for the country.
Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA) -: The Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA) is an organization in Pakistan that manages and controls internet and phone services.
Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 -: The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 is a law in Pakistan that aims to stop bad activities on the internet, like hacking or spreading harmful content.
Sandvine -: Sandvine is a company from Canada that provides technology to monitor and manage internet traffic.
USD 18.5 million -: USD 18.5 million means 18.5 million US dollars, which is a lot of money. It shows how much Pakistan paid for the Web Monitoring System.
VPNs -: VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, are tools that help people use the internet privately and access blocked content.
Social media platform X -: Social media platform X is a place on the internet where people can share and discuss things, but it has been blocked in Pakistan since February 17.