Wikipedia blocked for 48hrs
Wikipedia. STOCK IMAGE
In a surprise move, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has taken action against Wikipedia services in the country, claiming that the online encyclopaedia has failed to show adequate consideration for cultural sensitivities. The move has sparked a debate over internet censorship and the role of cultural values in shaping online content.
“PTA has degraded Wikipedia services in the country on account of not blocking/ removing sacrilegious contents,” the authority issued in a statement.
“With a little effort, you can block the objectionable pages yourself on Wikipedia instead of degrading the full service,” responded a Twitter user to a PTA tweet.
“Tragedy strikes as an entire library is burnt down due to one objectionable book,” criticised another person.
Wikipedia was approached for blocking/ removal of the said content by issuing a notice under the applicable law and court order(s). An opportunity for a hearing was also provided; however, the platform neither complied by removing the blasphemous content nor did it appear before the authority, as per the statement.
Given the intentional failure on part of the platform, Wikipedia’s services have been degraded for 48 hours with the direction to block/remove the reported contents. In case of non-compliance, the platform will be blocked within Pakistan.
As the controversy unfolds, social media and internet users are wary of this decision and what it could mean for the future of online freedom in Pakistan.
“Blocking access to Wikipedia is not the solution to limiting access to potentially harmful or inappropriate content online,” replied another Twitter user.
“Instead, promoting digital literacy and encouraging responsible online behaviour is a more effective approach. Restricting access to a platform like Wikipedia, which provides access to vast amounts of credible information, limits the free flow of information and education,” he added.
SI Global Solutions CEO, Noman Ahmed Said told The Express Tribune that “Wikipedia is incredibly essential and is a massive repository of information and knowledge. It is widely used across the globe as a reliable source of information backed by references and relevant bibliography.”
“The PTA has a history of banning websites when blasphemous content is published, as is evident from the prolonged banning of YouTube and the frequent banning and monitoring of TikTok,” he further added.
“Alternatively, restrictions may be placed on these websites and warnings may be issued to deal with such issues tactfully. Wikipedia is paramount in the functioning of society and it is not favourable to ban such an important tool. Hence, the government and its cyber-security department should focus on banning access to links containing blasphemous content instead of banning the website in its entirety,” Ahmed expounded.
The restoration of Wikipedia’s services will be reconsidered subject to blocking/removal of the reported unlawful content, said the authority in a statement adding that PTA is committed to ensuring a safe online experience for all Pakistani citizens according to local laws.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 2nd, 2023.
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