The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) submitted a comprehensive report to the Peshawar High Court. The report details the actions taken to combat obscene and blasphemous content on social media platforms, including TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.
Statistics on Explicit Content
Since 2020, the PTA reported a staggering number of explicit videos uploaded to TikTok. In total, over 114,015 explicit videos have been uploaded, leading to the blocking of 113,133 accounts. This action underscores the authority’s commitment to maintaining online decency and protecting users from inappropriate content.
In 2023 alone, there were 25,267 instances of explicit content uploaded to TikTok. As a result, the PTA blocked 24,800 accounts linked to these posts. The authority’s efforts have intensified as the volume of explicit material continues to rise.
Blasphemous Material Blocks
The report also highlighted the PTA’s actions against blasphemous content. It noted that 2,463 posts featuring such material were blocked. These actions reflect the PTA’s focus on preserving cultural and religious sensitivities within Pakistan.
Broad Actions Across Multiple Platforms
The PTA’s report extends beyond TikTok. It covers several popular social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). A total of 1,389,181 instances of obscene content were reported across these platforms. From this, 1,303,578 links were blocked, demonstrating the PTA’s extensive monitoring efforts.
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Specific actions included blocking a significant number of links: 147,579 on Facebook, 22,357 on Instagram, 125,600 on TikTok, 53,162 on YouTube, and 53,842 on X. These figures illustrate the scale of the PTA’s operations in policing online content.
Continued Collaboration with Social Media Companies
The PTA emphasised its ongoing collaboration with social media companies. This partnership aims to enhance measures against the spread of inappropriate and blasphemous material on their platforms. The PTA is committed to ensuring that these companies adhere to local laws and cultural norms, which is crucial for maintaining societal values.
Public Response to Actions
Public reactions to the PTA’s actions have been mixed. Many citizens appreciate the efforts to safeguard digital spaces from obscene content. However, some critics argue that these measures may infringe on freedom of expression. The debate continues as the PTA balances the need for regulation with individual rights.
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