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Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) blocked 469 mobile apps, including 435 Android and 34 Apple apps, based on complaints from stakeholders and the public, citing content against Islam, indecent material, and fraudulent activities. This was done under Section 37 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, which allows blocking or removal of content deemed a threat to national security, public order, or decency.
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The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has taken action against a total of 469 mobile applications based on complaints from stakeholders and the general public. The blocked apps, including 435 Android apps and 34 Apple apps, were deemed to contain content that violates the country’s laws and social norms.
According to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, the PTA has the authority to remove or block online content if deemed necessary to maintain national security, public order, and decency. Specifically, Section 37 of the law grants the PTA the power to take action against content that promotes hate speech, defamation, child pornography, and other offenses, as well as content that is deemed detrimental to the glory of Islam or the security and integrity of Pakistan.
The authority’s actions are guided by Section 37 (1) of PECA, which empowers the PTA to block or remove content that poses a threat to the security, morality, and public order of Pakistan. This provision has been central to the PTA’s approach in addressing complaints about online platforms, ensuring that content remains within the bounds of the country’s social and moral standards.
Further regulatory guidance is provided under Section 37 (2) of PECA, which outlines the rules and procedures for content removal. The Federal Government has also approved the Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight, and Safeguard) Rules, which outline the safeguards, processes, and mechanisms that the PTA must follow to ensure transparency and oversight in its actions.
The blocking of these 469 applications reflects a broader strategy to curb harmful content, protect public decency, and uphold the country’s moral and ethical standards.
