ISLAMABAD – WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram services have been restored in Pakistan following the successful trial of a social media firewall by the government.
According to a local news channel, sources from the Interior Ministry reported that the trial effectively blocked the downloading of images, voice messages, and videos on social media platforms.
The firewall also caused disruptions to mobile signals and internet services during tests using mobile data. After the trial, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) informed all mobile companies about the firewall’s implementation.
With the successful trials, the government is moving forward with purchasing the firewall. The Ministry of Interior has already issued a tender for its acquisition.
Pakistan’s Digital Firewall Project
The new firewall will use deep packet inspection (DPI) and IP-level blocking techniques to stop controversial material and trace the IP address of its origin. This allows authorities to identify the source and dissemination point of any message that opposes government policy.