SHC seeks PTA reply on ‘vulgar’ TikTok clips

Petitioner told to approach PEMRA against promotion of ‘obscene’ videos on TV channels

The Sindh High Court directed on Saturday a petitioner seeking action against television channels promoting "inappropriate and vulgar" content on social media platform TikTok to approach the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority on the matter.

A two-member bench, headed by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, issued the directive in a written interim order on the plea, besides seeking Pakistan Telecommunication Authority's (PTA's) reply on ways to restrict obscene content on TikTok.

The petitioner stated in the plea that some channels were promoting videos on TikTok, where users were churning out "inappropriate and vulgar" content as they competed for prominence.

Complaining of some abusive language in these videos, the petitioner pointed out that while YouTube and Facebook had user guidelines and policies, there were no such regulations restricting obscene content on TikTok.

He moved the court to seek details of action taken against inappropriate content on TikTok from the PTA.

The court directed him to approach the PEMRA against channels promoting inappropriate content on TikTok, noting that the body had the authority to take action against channels.

The court further summoned the PTA deputy general at the next hearing.

Notices issued

Separately, the court issued notices to the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and other parties on a plea filed by an orphan girl to whom NADRA has refused to issue an identity card.

The petitioner's counsel told the court that Sehrish Fatima's parents had passed away and NADRA had issued their death certificates.

"However, despite Fatima submitting the death certificates and an affidavit to NADRA, it is not issuing her an identity card," the counsel said, adding that hundreds of citizens were troubled by some NADRA rules.

At this, the court issued notices to NADRA and other parties, seeking relevant details from them.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 13^th, 2020.