The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has blocked 469 mobile applications
following complaints from stakeholder organizations and the general public, as revealed by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication.
Among the blocked apps, 435 were Android applications, and 34 were Apple applications. These apps were flagged for containing content that was deemed offensive to the glory of Islam, indecent or immoral material, and fraudulent activities.
The PTA's actions are in accordance with Section 37 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, which authorizes the authority to remove or block online content if it is considered necessary for reasons such as national security, public order, or decency.
Section 37 specifically empowers the PTA to take measures in the interest of protecting the glory of Islam, ensuring the integrity and security of Pakistan, preventing contempt of court, and addressing content that promotes hate speech, defamation, child pornography, and other offenses. This section serves as the legal foundation for the PTA's interventions in regulating digital content.
PECA 2016 Article Law
Clause 37 (1) of PECA 2016 grants the PTA the authority to act against unlawful online content that poses a threat to Pakistan's security, morality, and public order. This clause mandates the blocking or removal of content considered harmful to the glory of Islam or the security and integrity of Pakistan. This provision has been central to the PTA's efforts in maintaining online content within the country's social and moral standards.
