The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has recently blocked 469 mobile apps due to complaints about their content. This includes 435 apps for Android devices and 34 apps for Apple devices. The apps were removed because they were found to contain material that goes against Islamic values, is indecent, or involves fraudulent activities.
Legal Basis for Blocking Apps
The PTA’s actions are based on the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, specifically Section 37. This law gives the PTA the power to block or remove online content if it is deemed harmful to national security, public order, or public decency. Section 37 allows the PTA to take action against content that threatens the values of Islam, the security of Pakistan, or promotes hate speech, defamation, and child pornography.
Rules for Content Removal
Section 37 (1) of PECA 2016 outlines that the PTA can act against online content that is harmful to Pakistan’s security and morality. This ensures that content remains within the country’s social and moral standards. To guide this process, Section 37 (2) provides detailed rules on how to remove or block content. In October 2021, the Federal Government approved specific rules for this process, which include safeguards to ensure that the PTA’s actions are transparent and properly overseen.
Purpose of the Blocked Apps
The PTA’s decision to block these 469 apps is part of a larger effort to control harmful content, protect public decency, and uphold moral standards in Pakistan. By removing apps that do not meet these standards, the PTA aims to ensure a safer and more respectful digital environment.