ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Assembly has been informed that the government has blocked social media platform X and restricted VPNs to minimise the flow of misinformation.
Parliamentary Secretary Sajid Mehdi told the National Assembly (NA) on Wednesday that the federal government had blocked the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to curb misinformation.
Sajid Mehdi was responding to a call-to-attention notice regarding the spread of fake news on social media platforms in the National Assembly by Asiya Naz Tanoli.
He said that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) blocked as many as 86,000 SIMs that were found involved in anti-state activities.
He further went on to say that VPN usage has also been restricted to control the flow of misinformation.
He told the NA house that amendments to the Electronic Crimes Act are expected soon to strengthen regulations against fake news.
“A task force has been established under the Prime Minister’s directive to tackle fake news. Awareness campaigns are being extended to universities, colleges, and schools.”
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Mehdi contrasted Pakistan’s approach to fake news with international practices, stating: “Globally, fake news is not given as much importance, and there is greater freedom of expression.”
The parliamentary secretary said that proactive measures against fake news are challenging worldwide, but the government is committed to mitigating its impact.\
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On the other hand, the government has empowered the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cybercrime Wing to take action against crimes committed on social media platforms.
According to a notification issued by the Ministry of IT earlier today read that the National Cybercrimes and Investigation Agency’s rules have been annulled, and its powers have been transferred to the FIA Cybercrime Wing again.
