PTA has blocked 0.4 million porn websites

In its move to provide filtered and secure browsing on the internet in Pakistan, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has blocked around 0.4 million porn websites. PTA disclosed this figure when it recently appeared before Supreme Court (SC), as reported by Tribune.

Mr. Nayyar Rizvi, Additional Attorney General (AAG) has recently submitted a report to the SC on behalf of PTA. According to the report, PTA has blocked a total of 9,846 proxy sites as well.

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Furthermore, the report has also revealed that PTA has blocked several illegal satellite programming and content relayed by local cable operators. The report was submitted to the SC when it was hearing a case against airing obscene, vulgar and objectionable material through direct to home (DTH) service.

However, in case of websites that publicize porn content, PTA states that to block this obscene material on the internet entirely is not possible. That’s why PTA is also focusing on blocking proxy sites that enable the users to access these websites illegally.

Previously, PTA has also established a ‘Web Analysis Cell’, following the legal framework and directions issued by the federal government. Through this cell reported websites on PTA’s helpline, toll-free number, fax, post/web, form and dedicated email are analyzed and process.

PTA has also placed a parental consent software list on its website, in order to aware people about the dark side of the internet. PTA in collaboration with Higher Education Commission (HEC) has emphasized on deploying suitable filters in all educational, technical and vocational institutions where free access to the internet is offered.