Lahore – Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has blocked over one million web links and URLs for distributing illegal digital content, according to a report obtained by Dunya News. The report, submitted to Lahore High Court, highlights efforts to regulate online platforms and restrict content deemed inappropriate or unlawful under local laws.
Social media platforms faced varying levels of content removal, with Facebook and TikTok encountering the highest level of blocking. Out of 229,000 Facebook links reviewed, 197,000 were blocked, while Instagram saw 38,000 of 43,000 URLs removed. TikTok experienced the strictest crackdown, with over 163,000 of 174,000 videos blocked, representing 94% of content deemed illegal.
Other platforms were also affected, including YouTube, where more than 64,000 of 72,000 links were blocked, and X (formerly Twitter), which saw 70,800 of 112,000 links removed. Twitter registered the lowest removal rate, with 62% of content blocked. On additional platforms, 891,000 of 898,000 links were blocked, reflecting broad enforcement across digital services.
The PTA report indicated that more than 1.4 million links were removed for a range of violations, including contempt of court, obscenity, anti-religious content, proxy-related content, and hate speech. Obscene and immoral content accounted for the largest share, with more than 1.06 million links blocked. Links targeting the state and Pakistan’s defense totalled 148,000, while anti-religious content prompted over 109,000 blocks. Sectarian and hate-related material led to 76,000 links being removed. Content related to defamation and fake identities represented the smallest portion of blocked URLs.
The report underscores Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to regulate digital platforms and monitor content distribution, ensuring compliance with national laws while addressing concerns over morality, security, and public order.
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