Islamabad, Jan 15: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has taken significant strides in combatting online child exploitation by blocking over 5,000 websites identified by Interpol as hosting harmful content. This is part of the PTA’s broader initiative to protect children from online risks.
The PTA has enhanced its Complaint Management System (CMS) by introducing a dedicated ‘Child Abuse’ category, allowing individuals to report incidents swiftly.
However, Complaints are tracked through automated IDs, and a specialized team works to remove or block illegal content, collaborating with social media platforms and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to ensure prompt action.
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In addition, PTA is contributing to a national effort to address child online safety. Working alongside the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) and UNICEF, PTA has helped produce a critical report, “Situation Analysis of Child Online Protection in Pakistan.” This report assesses the risks children face online, including exploitation, and highlights the gaps in Pakistan’s legal and institutional structures.
The document calls for stronger enforcement mechanisms and offers actionable recommendations for policymakers, law enforcement, and educators to better safeguard children in the digital world.
One of PTA’s key initiatives in educating the public is the localization of the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) mascot project, “Online Safety with Sango.” In April 2024, PTA translated this initiative into Urdu, featuring five engaging lessons that teach children how to protect their personal data and navigate the internet safely.
This localized version of Sango ensures that important online safety lessons are accessible to children across Pakistan, equipping them with the knowledge to defend themselves against cyber threats.
To further enhance child safety online, PTA is working with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to introduce Network Level Parental Control Software.
This software will allow parents to monitor and restrict their children’s online activities, providing an added layer of protection against inappropriate content and online dangers. PTA’s proactive approach reflects global best practices and aims to offer a secure digital environment for children.
However, PTA recognizes that technology alone cannot address the complex issues surrounding online child safety. A coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach involving government bodies, tech companies, law enforcement, and civil society is essential.
Furthermore, PTA is focusing on empowering parents through educational programs and ensuring that strict penalties under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, deter offenders. Only through collective action can Pakistan build a safer digital space for its children.
