PTA Starts Blocking Social Media Content Through Controversial Web Monitoring System

 PTA Starts Blocking Social Media Content

The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) has recently come under fire for its use of the controversial Web Monitoring System (WMS) to block online content in the country. 

The system was originally acquired in 2018 from  Canadian company Sandvine for $18.5 million and is now updated and used to monitor and block websites and applications operating under Section 37 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), which was deemed illegal in 2016.

 The PTA has used  WMS to block 469 mobile applications, including both Android and Apple apps, for  content that is against the glory of Islam, immoral content, fraudulent activities, and more. In addition, social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has been officially blocked since February 2024, and the website of the opposition political party PTI has remained inaccessible since before the elections.

 One of the key features of  WMS is its deep packet inspection technology. This allows the PTA to identify and block VPN traffic and monitor all internet traffic entering and leaving Pakistan. Nevertheless, the PTA acknowledged that it is difficult to enforce the content ban as users can circumvent these restrictions by using VPNs. 

The use of  WMS has raised significant concerns among digital rights activists and opposition parties, who argue that it undermines internet freedom and transparency in Pakistan. Critics also point out that government officials, including ministers, continue to use blocked platforms.