Amidst serious concerns over the continued disruption of the social media platform, X in Pakistan, for over a fortnight now, member of the Senate has demanded a permanent ban on all social media due to its negative impact on the younger generation.
Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi, who was recently expelled by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) after he moved a resolution seeking the delaying of February 8 2024 polls, in the resolution called for a complete ban on all social media platforms, deeming them to be detrimental to the future of the young generation a Pakistan national media agency reported.
The resolution is listed on the agenda of the Senate session from March 4, 2024. Senator Tangi, who is set to retire on March 11, 2024 said “Social media platforms are adversely affected the younger generation and being used for promotion of norms against our religion and culture, creating hatred among people on the grounds of language and religion”.
The resolution notes with concern, “the use of such platforms against the interests of the country through negative and malicious propaganda against the armed forces of Pakistan” and calls upon the Senate to recommend to the government to ban Facebook, TikTok, X, Instagram and YouTube to save the younger generation from their negative and devastating effects.
The website X, has been largely offline since February 17, 2024 with occasional service restorations, mainly after former commissioner Rawalpindi Liaquat Ali Chatta made a statement in front of the media that the elections were rigged.
Separately, reports said authorities are considering a blanket ban on all Virtual Private Networks (VPN), prompting a IT and services sector to express concerns that a such actions could severely harm the cash-strapped country and its economy.
A majority of the users are using VPN to access the platform. Numerous posts have ben mocking the authorities, including IT minister Umar Saif for using a VPN. Saif uses a VPN to as his current locations in recent tweets is showing Hong Kong. So far, no authority has taken responsibility for restricting the services of X, which activists see a dangerous trend.
“This way, those in power are saying that they can ban any platform without any reason or being answerable to everyone,” said Nighat Dad a digital rights activist and member of the UN Secretary’s General Advisory Board on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
She added that a blanket ban on any platform isa violation of human rights and those in power aren’t considering the reptation of the country worldwide especially concerns on those who are being invited to Pakistan for investment. Rumours that even the VPN will be banned in the country have rung alarm bells in the Pakistan Software Associations (PSA).
The banking sector in particular faces several financial repercussions due to restricted access to the VPNs hindering the ability to manage international transactions effectively, the statement of PSA said adding that such bottlenecks will would obstruct the government’s vision of achieving the $15 billion exports target for the IT and IT services and also undermines the extensive endeavours of SIFC to facilitate the ease of doing business.
“Without losing reputational credibility, competitive advantage, and clientele, we advocate for the formation of a joint working group with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to ensure the uninterrupted operation of internet services while addressing regulatory concerns,” PSA said.
Currently, all commercial users are mandated to get their VPNs registered at PTA in two categories for companies and freelancers. Organisations and companies are required to undertake IP Whitelisting for call centres and video conferences. Today, more than 3,540 VPNs and 25,085 IP addresses have been registered with the PTA, but there is no bar on individuals using VPNs for non-commercial purposes.
