IT ministry is against any kind of website blocking because it restricts access to the digital world and slows down development, the minister of information technology emphasized.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority PTA has been directed by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication not to block any websites without the prior approval of the Ministry according to recent reports.
In response to the recent outcry over the restriction of the well-known website Wikipedia, a decision was made. Following an analysis of the situation, a cabinet committee recommended that the PTA speak with the IT ministry before trying to block any websites.
The IT ministry is against any kind of website blocking because it restricts access to the digital world and slows down development, the minister of information technology emphasized. He added that the ministry supports raising public awareness to encourage people to stay away from websites with objectionable content.
The federal minister for law and justice, and the federal minister for commerce, were also present at the meeting. The latter supported the unblocking of Wikipedia in accordance with the prime minister’s instructions.
The cabinet committee’s mandate calls for it to evaluate the appropriateness of PTA’s decision to block Wikipedia, look into alternative strategies for policing objectionable material, and make recommendations for judicious online content regulation.
Given that Pakistan has a history of censoring numerous websites and applications under the pretext of “Muslim sentiment,” this decision is positive for social media and the internet in that nation.
Blocking websites is a measure that is often taken by governments to restrict access to certain online content, such as illegal or harmful material. However, the restriction of internet access and censorship can also have negative impacts on freedom of speech and access to information.
By requiring the PTA to seek the approval of the Ministry before blocking websites, the government is seeking to ensure that internet censorship is carried out in a transparent and accountable manner. The move is a way to balance the need for internet security and safety with the importance of protecting civil liberties and freedom of speech.