LAHORE – Pakistan’s National Assembly has been informed that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is using a controversial Web Monitoring System (WMS) to block online content. This system, acquired from the Canadian company Sandvine for $18.5 million in 2018, employs Deep Packet Inspection technology to filter internet traffic.
According to the minister responsible for the cabinet division, the PTA uses the WMS to block “unlawful content” under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. The PTA has blocked 469 mobile apps, including 435 Android and 34 Apple apps, for reasons such as offensive content and fraudulent activities.
The WMS also targets VPN traffic to enforce these blocks. Despite its efforts, the system has not been entirely effective, as users can still access blocked content via VPNs. The PTA has registered over 20,000 VPNs to manage this issue.
The Web Monitoring System, which has faced criticism for its role in causing internet slowdowns and outages, was further upgraded in December 2023. The PTA’s use of this system has been a point of contention, with claims that it could be used for more than just content management, including surveillance.
The PTA has also introduced an e-portal for government agencies to request content removal and blocking. This tool is used by 47 stakeholders, including federal and provincial ministries.