0.4 million porn websites blocked, PTA tells SC
PTA report says 9,846 proxies have been blocked
PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD:
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Thursday told the Supreme Court (SC) that approximately 0.4 million porn websites have been blocked by the body.
Additional Attorney General (AAG) Nayyar Rizvi submitted a report on behalf of PTA. The report says that 9,846 proxies have been blocked.
PTA also stated that due to technical restraints, the complete blockage of obscene material on the internet is not possible in real time, but by using alternate technical methods including proxies the cut down is possible.
Within the legal framework and directions issued by the federal government, PTA has already established a 'Web Analysis Cell', wherein reported websites through PTA's helpline, toll-free number, fax, post/web, form and dedicated email are analysed and processed.
NA panel seeks report on MNA’s child porn site claim
The response of PTA in the report states that the government must take on board the internet provider industry and launch a major educational campaign to promote public awareness regarding the dark side of the internet and the methods available to educate children.
The PTA has already initiated steps for awareness by requesting the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to take necessary steps to install suitable filters in all educational, technical and vocational institutions where free access to the internet is offered.
A parental consent software list has been placed on PTA's website subsequently.
PTA is also in process for establishing an Internet Exchange Point (IXP) which will facilitate the local internet traffic to remain local and it will help in the development of local content with good user experience.
In addition, the telecommunication authority is also arranging awareness seminars on Child Online Protection in consultation with Internet Society (ISOC).
Justice Nisar commented that no obscene content should be aired on television channels.
The top judge lamented that Pemra should have taken notice of vulgar dances being shown on different channels.
While advocate Akram Sheikh said that no obscenity can be found on BBC and CNN if monitored.
Justice Nisar asked what is the punishment awarded by Pemra to these channels for airing such content.
While Sheikh said that the application which had previously been filed by late Qazi Ahmed against obscenity on the media is now being pursued by Ahmed's heirs.
Justice Umar Ata Bandyal remarked that children also watch such television channels which is unacceptable.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Thursday told the Supreme Court (SC) that approximately 0.4 million porn websites have been blocked by the body.
Additional Attorney General (AAG) Nayyar Rizvi submitted a report on behalf of PTA. The report says that 9,846 proxies have been blocked.
PTA also stated that due to technical restraints, the complete blockage of obscene material on the internet is not possible in real time, but by using alternate technical methods including proxies the cut down is possible.
Within the legal framework and directions issued by the federal government, PTA has already established a 'Web Analysis Cell', wherein reported websites through PTA's helpline, toll-free number, fax, post/web, form and dedicated email are analysed and processed.
NA panel seeks report on MNA’s child porn site claim
The response of PTA in the report states that the government must take on board the internet provider industry and launch a major educational campaign to promote public awareness regarding the dark side of the internet and the methods available to educate children.
The PTA has already initiated steps for awareness by requesting the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to take necessary steps to install suitable filters in all educational, technical and vocational institutions where free access to the internet is offered.
A parental consent software list has been placed on PTA's website subsequently.
PTA is also in process for establishing an Internet Exchange Point (IXP) which will facilitate the local internet traffic to remain local and it will help in the development of local content with good user experience.
In addition, the telecommunication authority is also arranging awareness seminars on Child Online Protection in consultation with Internet Society (ISOC).
Justice Nisar commented that no obscene content should be aired on television channels.
The top judge lamented that Pemra should have taken notice of vulgar dances being shown on different channels.
While advocate Akram Sheikh said that no obscenity can be found on BBC and CNN if monitored.
Justice Nisar asked what is the punishment awarded by Pemra to these channels for airing such content.
While Sheikh said that the application which had previously been filed by late Qazi Ahmed against obscenity on the media is now being pursued by Ahmed's heirs.
Justice Umar Ata Bandyal remarked that children also watch such television channels which is unacceptable.