Pakistan government blocks over 9.4 lakh websites under PTA act
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ISLAMABAD -In a new development, Pakistan government blocks over 9.4 lakh websites under PTA act over objectionable content.
In the official statement issued by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, it has been observed that regulator has blocked 941,000 websites for containing objectionable content.
According to the official numbers issued by PTA, 830,000 pornographic websites, 50,000 websites for hosting anti-judiciary content, about 50,000 web-pages for blasphemous content and 11000 websites have been blocked for promoting anti-state content.
Under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Section 37, PTA has the authority to block any website which does not meet the Social and Religious standards.
PTA has done it in the past too, as it blocked access to several popular websites over controversial content link in May as well. Following the Supreme Court’s order, it has been blocking porn websites over the past few years. Just a year ago, the regulator blocked .4 million pornographic websites in that context.
PTA has created a web portal to determine which content should be blocked in Pakistan. The portal will give access to 30 government departments to report any website. The regulator would then review the complaint and then take action according to its powers.