The new authority will have the responsibility to monitor websites belonging to TV channels and newspapers. However, the PTA will not have the authority to block content on social media.
ISLAMABAD: To address the escalating cybercrime and implement preventive measures, the government has chosen to establish an independent regulatory authority similar to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
The Ministry of IT sent a bill related to the E-Safety Authority to the federal cabinet, which approved it. The new regulatory body, named the E-Safety Authority, will be responsible for monitoring all websites. It will also be including TV channels and newspapers.
It will have the authority to grant website permissions and impose fines for violations. Additionally, the bill empowers the E-Safety Authority to issue licenses to web channels. This approval will result in taking away the web monitoring responsibility from the PTA.
The decision to transfer powers from the PTA and FIA cybercrimes wing to the new authority was made due to the insufficiency of the powers granted under PECA and the ineffectiveness of the social media rules established under the same law. The government considered these factors when making the decision.
Another notable change is that the bill eliminates the PTA’s ability to block content on social media. Furthermore, instead of creating a separate authority to handle cybercrime, the bill assigns this task to the already overburdened FIA.
Lastly, the federal government has decided to implement registration requirements for websites, web channels, and YouTube channels. The new authority will receive the powers currently held by the PTA and FIA cybercrimes wing.Government to Establish PTA-Inspired Body to Tackle Escalating Cybercrime.
PTA Announces ‘Partial Suspension’ Of Mobile Services In Karachi Until Muharram 10
Meanwhile, mobile services are being affected at different times in some areas, as consumers have complained. Some areas are facing complete shutdowns.
The affected areas with either suspended or partially suspended mobile services include Steel Town, Gulshan-e-Hadid, Jaffer e Tayar Society, Malir 15, Future Colony, Dawood Chowrangi, and Haji Zakaria Goth. Additionally, services are partially suspended in Shah Latif Town, Bhitaiabad, Memon Goth Main Market, Bin Qasim Town, and other areas.
