LONDON: Pakistan plans to block virtual private networks (VPNs) to stop users from accessing the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, as they try to get around the ban.
The Express Tribune reported on Thursday that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will allow compliant VPNs, limiting public access to only these approved services.
PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman, in a meeting with the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat. Confirmed that only selected VPNs would be allowed after the allowlisting process.
Pakistan blocked access to X before the national elections in February this year, citing national security concerns and the platform’s failure to follow government directives and address misuse issues.
Rights groups have criticized this move, saying it restricts the free flow of information.
Rehman said that Musk’s platform complied with only 7% of the government’s content-related complaints in the past three months.
Despite a 70% drop in X’s use in Pakistan, users have been bypassing the ban with VPN services. Which create a digital connection between the device and a remote server, allowing them to avoid website blocks and firewalls.
Rehman also discussed plans for a 5G auction scheduled for March- April next year during the meeting. Additionally, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar discussed taxation on social media earnings.
Rehman mentioned that the PTA is ready to lift the ban on X whenever the government requests it.
According to government data, Pakistan is the world’s fifth-largest nation by population, with 57% of people having Internet access.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration has cracked down on users spreading political or religious aggression and making allegations against the powerful military on social media.
Many Internet users have been detained on charges such as running a hate campaign against the army.
