ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has warned social media users that illegal, hateful, defamatory, or misleading content must be removed immediately.
In a public advisory issued on Thursday, the regulator reminded users that Section 20 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 criminalises the knowing spread of false information that harms reputation or violates privacy. The authority advised citizens to strictly refrain from creating, uploading, or sharing such material across digital platforms.
The PTA also urged the public to avoid participating in narratives that undermine national integrity or damage the dignity of institutions and individuals. Officials said responsible digital conduct remains a shared civic duty and called on users to exercise caution before posting or forwarding content online. According to the advisory, greater awareness and cooperation from the public can help reduce the spread of harmful misinformation.
Moreover, the regulator stressed that online activity carries legal and ethical responsibilities. It encouraged users to verify information through credible sources and to report questionable content instead of amplifying it. The PTA said these measures are necessary to promote a safer and more trustworthy digital environment in the country.
Advisory follows recent rumours and ongoing connectivity concerns
The warning followed the circulation of rumours on January 15 that claimed a nationwide internet disruption. The PTA denied the reports and clarified that routine submarine cable maintenance was under way while internet services remained stable across Pakistan. However, the incident once again highlighted how quickly unverified claims can spread on social media.
Internet disruptions and slow speeds have remained a frequent public complaint in recent months. Authorities have attributed these challenges to factors such as undersea cable maintenance, spectrum limitations, and security-related measures. In response, the Economic Coordination Committee recently approved the auction of 600 MHz spectrum, a move officials believe will improve internet speeds and support the rollout of 5G services.
At the same time, enforcement under PECA has continued. Reports indicate that more than 44,000 social media accounts and posts were removed or blocked between January 2023 and June 2024 across platforms including Facebook, YouTube, and X. The PTA said it will continue to take action to curb harmful online activity.
