PTA Issues Stern Warning on Illegal Online Content Under PECA Law
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a clear warning. It told social media users to remove illegal content immediately. This includes hateful, defamatory, or misleading posts. Therefore, everyone must check their online activity carefully.
The authority referred to Section 20 of the PECA 2016 law. This law makes spreading false information a criminal offense. Such actions can harm a person’s reputation or privacy. As a result, the PTA urges the public to act responsibly.
A Call for Responsible Digital Conduct
The PTA advises users to strictly avoid creating harmful content. People should also not upload or share such material. Furthermore, the authority asks everyone to reject narratives that damage national integrity. It emphasizes that good digital behavior is a shared civic duty.
This advisory follows recent online rumors. For instance, false claims about a nationwide internet outage spread on January 15. However, the PTA denied these reports completely. It explained that only routine cable maintenance was underway. Consequently, internet services remained stable for users.
Addressing Internet Issues and Past Actions
Internet problems have been a frequent complaint lately. Issues include slow speeds and disruptions. Authorities often cite reasons like undersea cable repairs. Spectrum limits and security measures also contribute. Thankfully, a solution is in progress. The government recently approved a new spectrum auction. This action should improve speeds and help launch 5G services soon.
The PTA has enforced these rules actively in the past. For example, a news report cited significant enforcement actions. Over 44,000 social media accounts and posts faced removal. This occurred between January 2023 and June 2024. Platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and X were included. In summary, the PTA continues to monitor online spaces closely. It promotes a safer digital environment for all Pakistanis through such advisories and actions.
