The Pakistani government is installing a national firewall through various internet service providers (ISPs) to control social media content more tightly. The firewall is aimed at blocking undesirable content and is currently being set up, as confirmed by a government official to The News.
National Firewall Setup
The new firewall will go beyond previous measures like using Netsweeper to block specific websites. It will inspect data from different internet addresses to monitor and control information flow more effectively. The firewall has two main functions:
- Identifying Sources: Finding where “propaganda material” is coming from.
- Blocking Content: Limiting or blocking these sources from public view.
An official stated, “The main goal is to locate and stop the source of propaganda material.”
Keyword Filtering
The firewall will include a system to filter keywords, blocking content deemed undesirable or a threat to national security on major platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter).
VPN Regulation
The government plans to regulate the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which many people use to bypass internet restrictions. Citizens may need to inform the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) about the VPNs they use. VPN use increased after the government blocked Twitter, leading people to find other ways to access the site.
Despite some opposition from businesses, a government official mentioned that the crackdown on Twitter has reduced its users in Pakistan from 4.5 million to 2.4 million. Twitter’s management has also become more cooperative with government requests, like blocking certain accounts.
Concerns Over Censorship
While the government claims these measures are necessary for national security, there are worries about censorship and impacts on free speech. Critics say these actions could suppress dissent and restrict access to information. The plan to regulate VPNs also raises privacy concerns as it could allow the government to monitor people’s online activities more closely.
As the firewall is installed, it’s uncertain how it will change the digital landscape in Pakistan and public access to information. These steps are part of the government’s efforts to control internet content, sparking debates on balancing security with freedom in the digital age.
