Paid obscene content on live apps getting popular

LAHORE:

Local people are reportedly spending millions of rupees daily on accessing obscene content through mobile applications amid restrictions imposed on entertainment activities to curb the spread of coronavirus.

The apps can be downloaded easily through internet to listen to songs and watch dance of women from within the country as well as India, Bangladesh, Europe, the United States and other countries.

It is estimated that the users pay millions of rupees every day through the apps. The practice has replaced similar activities taking place at farmhouses and residences earlier. The users also interact online with the performers while watching their dance for hours.

The live apps are mostly installed on mobile phones and used to pay those selected for entertainment as well as obscene activities.

Like the traditional showering of currency notes during private dance performances, the apps offer creation of accounts the option of payment. Different amounts to be paid for the activities are denoted by images of heart, diamond, flowers and animals. The amount transferred on clicking a heart ranges from Rs500 to Rs5,000. The value of a diamond is from Rs1,000 to Rs10,000 and similarly the icons of different flowers and animals are assigned varying monetary value.

The amount selected is transferred to the account of the performer. The users pay large amounts while accessing the services daily from their homes.

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Some of the performers reportedly offer obscene content to the regular customers at higher prices.

The online business has increased especially after the shutting down of theatres and cinema halls for shows and farmhouses and clubs for parties to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

According to one user, there is also no danger of a raid by police or any other department as feared during illegal activities.

Officials of relevant department estimate that thousands of people in the province use such apps and spend considerable amounts on them. On the other hand, the apps have also provided some people an opportunity to earn.

According to sources, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has received complaints regarding the issue but has not yet launched a formal inquiry.

Arshad, a resident of Lahore who listens to his favourite songs and watches dance on the Bigo app, said while speaking to The Express Tribune that the coronavirus had stopped all activities and entertainment was also very important in such times.

Shama, who used to sing and dance in events held at farmhouses, said the internet had provided her an opportunity to make ends meet. She said in reply to a question that whatever happened earlier in farmhouses, guesthouses and clubs was now taking place through digital media that were used for good as well as bad purposes.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 28^th, 2021.