Islamabad, 5 February 2023 (GNP): The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Saturday blocked Wikipedia services in the country on account of not blocking or removing ‘sacril*egious content.’
PTA (Pakistan Telecommunications Authority) issued a notice to Wikipedia on 1 February, which read:
“The services of Wikipedia have been degraded for 48 hours for failure to remove content deemed unlawful. As of 3 February, our data shows this has extended into a full block. It continued that a block of the platform in Pakistan would deny the fifth most populous nation in the world access to the largest free knowledge repository and would deprive everyone access to Pakistan’s history and culture. It hoped that the government of Pakistan joined it in a commitment to knowledge as a human right and restore access to Wikipedia promptly so that the people of Pakistan can continue to receive and share knowledge with the world. We believe that access to knowledge is a human right.”
Earlier this week, the PTA degraded Wikipedia for 48 hours with the direction to block/remove the reported content. The authority also warned that non-compliance would lead to the platform being blocked within Pakistan.
Also Read: The Future of Esports in Pakistan
PTA also announced to the public in a statement: “Wikipedia was approached for blocking/removal of the said contents by issuing a notice under applicable law & court order(s). An opportunity of hearing was also provided, however, the platform neither complied by removing the blasp*hemous content nor appeared before the authority. The restoration of the services of Wikipedia will be reconsidered subject to blocking/removal of the reported unlawful contents. PTA is committed to ensuring a safe online experience for all Pakistani citizens according to local laws.”
