Blocking X
The Ministry of Interior in Pakistan has provided a detailed explanation to the Islamabad High Court regarding its decision to block the social media platform Twitter, referred to here as ‘X’.
This action was taken after the platform repeatedly ignored the Pakistani government’s directives concerning certain content deemed offensive or harmful to the nation’s sovereignty and dignity.
In a comprehensive 21-page response submitted to the court, the ministry outlined the reasons behind the ban, stating that it was ‘necessitated’ by Twitter’s consistent failure to engage with multiple official requests.
The government had approached Twitter to remove specific content and accounts that were involved in a defamation campaign against the chief justice of Pakistan, among other issues.
However, the lack of cooperation from Twitter in addressing these concerns led to the conclusion that temporary regulatory measures, including the ban, were justified.
The ministry emphasized that Twitter demonstrated a significant lack of responsiveness, neglecting to adhere to Pakistan’s concerns about offensive material and trends undermining the country’s sovereignty and dignity.
This situation prompted the Federal Investigation Agency to send numerous requests to Twitter to block accounts that violated Pakistani laws and societal values.
The decision to enforce the ban was executed by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority on February 17, following directives from the Ministry of Interior and based on intelligence reports.
These reports, sourced from intelligence agencies, suggested that the unchecked presence of certain content on Twitter posed a potential threat to national security and public order.
The Ministry of Interior also highlighted the broader risks associated with the unchecked dissemination of fake news through platforms like Twitter, noting that such activities can pose significant threats to societal stability and harmony.
Furthermore, the ministry assured the court that it possesses confidential intelligence reports that substantiate the government’s concerns and actions. These documents can be presented to the court if necessary to further clarify the rationale behind the temporary ban on Twitter in Pakistan.
This explanation aims to clarify the government’s stance and actions regarding the regulation of social media platforms, emphasizing the need to balance free expression with national security and public order.
The ministry’s response is part of ongoing judicial proceedings where the legality and justification of the government’s decision to block Twitter are being examined.
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