In Islamabad, sources reveal that a national firewall is being implemented across various internet service providers (ISPs) to regulate social media content, effectively filtering out undesirable material. An official confirmed the procurement of the firewall, stating that the installation and commissioning processes are underway. While Pakistan has previously utilized similar technology to block websites and social media apps, the new firewall will focus on scrutinizing data originating from different internet protocol addresses. Its primary objectives include identifying the sources of propaganda and limiting their reach by blocking or reducing coverage of such accounts.
Additionally, the firewall will employ keyword filtering to detect content deemed prejudicial to national security, with flagged posts potentially becoming invisible to outside users. Social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly known as Twitter) will be subject to this inspection. Efforts are also underway to prevent the misuse of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), with potential repercussions for citizens failing to disclose VPN usage to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Despite the government’s blockade of X/Twitter, many individuals continue to access it through VPNs. However, government officials defend this move, citing a significant reduction in X/Twitter usage and bot activity, as well as improved responsiveness from the platform’s management to government requests, such as the blocking of the Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Society (PESS) account.
