Govt sets up firewalls to fight propaganda

The federal government has decided to take effective measures to manage and control the negative propaganda being spread on social media platforms against the country’s ideological foundations and institutions by acquiring the latest technology.

According to sources from the PTA, the telecom regulator has invited bids for the installation of firewalls. These firewalls, including next-generation and application firewalls, will be installed by internet service providers.

The next-generation firewall will have Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) capability, allowing it to inspect data up to layer seven. This firewall will enable real-time data monitoring, URL filtering, application control, and malware protection. It will also take proactive measures against cybersecurity threats.

The Web Application Firewall (WAF) will monitor and filter data from web applications. PTA has invited electronic bids under the PPRA's e-ped system.

Social media platform X—formerly Twitter—has been facing a ban in the country since February this year. The federal government contends X is being used by anti-state elements to malign state institutions.

In its reply submitted to the SHC which is hearing some petitions requesting immediate restoration of the site earlier this month, the government said its February 17 decision to impose a temporary ban on the site does not violate Article 19 of the Constitution.