The Pakistani government has completed trials for a new nationwide firewall system aimed at monitoring and controlling social media content. Sources within the Interior Ministry report that following successful tests, authorities are proceeding with the purchase and implementation of this technology.
During the trial phase conducted by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the firewall demonstrated its capacity to block images, voice recordings, and video downloads on social media platforms. The system also showed effectiveness in reducing mobile internet speeds and detecting potential data leaks.
The PTA has directed all mobile service providers to prepare for the installation process. Plans are underway to extend the firewall to all internet service providers (ISPs) in the country. This implementation will enable deep packet inspection, allowing for filtering of social media data and content blocking at the IP level.
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Government officials aim to control the spread of all types of content, with the costs of this initiative to be shared between federal authorities and ISPs. The PTA is slated to oversee the firewall’s installation across the nation.
Pakistan’s move builds upon its 2018 acquisition of a web monitoring system from a Canadian firm, which is currently in use and undergoing upgrades. The new firewall is expected to operate similarly to China’s system, utilizing Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) to identify and block sensitive content based on specific keywords.
This development marks a significant step in Pakistan’s efforts to regulate online content and social media activity within its borders, raising questions about internet freedom and privacy among citizens and digital rights advocates.
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