The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has taken significant action against online child sexual abuse by blocking approximately 5,000 websites identified by Interpol as hosting such content. This move is part of PTA’s intensified efforts to combat child abuse online.
The PTA has added a new ‘Child Abuse’ section to its Complaint Management System (CMS) in an effort to bolster its fight against online child abuse.
People can use the system’s mobile app to file complaints in certain categories, and the system will automatically generate complaint IDs so they can be tracked easily. Each case is carefully reviewed by a professional team that works in collaboration with social media networks to quickly remove or block any illegal information. In order to take prompt action, PTA is working with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to obtain more URLs.
The “Situation Analysis of Child Online Protection in Pakistan” is an extensive report to which PTA has contributed, in partnership with UNICEF and the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC). The research explores the risks of children using the Internet, different types of child exploitation that occur online, and difficulties in today’s digital world.
It identifies shortcomings in Pakistan’s legal and institutional frameworks, as well as enforcement issues and barriers to effective child online safety. In order to effectively handle these issues, the report also includes specific suggestions for legislators, police enforcement, teachers, and other interested parties.
Together with ISPs, PTA is also looking at the possibility of introducing network-level parental control software. This software is designed to help parents keep their children safe online by letting them manage and restrict their activity based on global best practices. The initiative’s viability is currently being finalized through extensive consultations with industry players. When implemented, the program will be a huge improvement over current methods of protecting children from things like cyberbullying, unsuitable information, and screen addiction.
Regardless of these developments, the PTA recognizes that technological protections cannot solve the increasing risks that children face when using the internet. The document stresses the importance of a collaborative effort including several sectors, including governments, IT corporations, law enforcement, schools, and civil society.
To effectively deter harmful actors, PTA advocates for stringent enforcement of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, and capacity-building initiatives to empower parents. Through joint efforts, PTA aims to create a safer online environment for children in Pakistan.
