Government Implements National Firewall to Regulate Content on X, Facebook, YouTube
The federal government is implementing a national firewall to regulate social media content and prevent unwanted material from reaching a broader audience.
According to reports from TheNews, this new firewall will scrutinize data from various internet protocol addresses to pinpoint sources generating propaganda and then either block or limit the visibility of such content. Additionally, the system will utilize keyword filtering to identify and conceal undesirable content, ensuring it remains hidden from external users.
This firewall is set to monitor platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and X. Plans are also underway to address the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which have been used by many to bypass government restrictions, particularly on X. While initial attempts to regulate VPNs caused concerns within the corporate community, recent measures have been put on hold for the time being.
The blockade of X has resulted in a significant reduction in its usage, dropping from 4.5 million to 2.4 million users in Pakistan. It appears that X’s management is gradually complying with the government’s directives to block accounts sharing controversial content or discussing sensitive topics openly on the platform.
It’s worth noting that in April, the Interior Ministry submitted a detailed report to the Islamabad High Court explaining the reasons behind X’s blockade in Pakistan. The report cited X’s lack of registration in Pakistan and non-compliance with Pakistani laws as the primary reasons for the ban. The Interior Ministry asserted that the decision to block X was made in accordance with legal principles and did not violate fundamental rights.
