The recent slowdown of social media in Pakistan can be attributed to the trial run of a new firewall system, as confirmed by officials privy to the development. This has sparked concerns about the future of internet-based businesses in the country. However, officials have assured that internet traffic will return to normal once the trial concludes.
The government has allocated over Rs30 billion from the development budget for the acquisition and installation of this filtering system. Although the Ministry of Information Technology (MoIT) received the allocation, the project’s execution is being managed by another authority, reducing MoIT’s role to that of an intermediary.
An official revealed that work on the firewall has been ongoing since January, involving the purchase and installation of the system. The current commissioning phase, expected to take several weeks, is a critical part of this process. This trial period is necessary to test the system’s effectiveness and address any technical issues.
When asked if the national filter would impact internet-based businesses, an official mentioned it might pose a subtle threat but clarified that these businesses are not the primary target. The slowdown has raised fears among business owners, but officials have assured that normal internet speeds will resume once the trial is over.
Another official stated that the primary aim of the firewall is to curb the reach of social media influencers who are perceived by the government to be spreading fake news. By blocking or limiting the visibility of their content, the government hopes to reduce their influence. Influencers are already being targeted under the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act 2016, with dedicated courts established to handle related cases.
The slowdown in social media in Pakistan is a temporary issue resulting from the trial of a new firewall system. While it has raised concerns about the future of internet-based businesses, the government assures that normal internet traffic will resume after the trial period. The primary goal of the firewall is to limit the spread of misinformation by social media influencers, ensuring a more controlled and secure digital environment.
