Rights group files request seeking disclosure on Internet filtering equipment

Request seeks official response on alleged presence of a digital surveillance software and a URL filtration system.

With a number of websites and internet based services blocked in recent months, internet freedom and transparency group Bolo Bhi has filed a Right to Information (RTI) request seeking information about surveillance and web filtering equipment reportedly acquired by the Government of Pakistan.

The RTI request seeks information regarding specific laws under which surveillance and filtering equipment has been acquired.

The requests seek an official response on the alleged presence of Finfisher, a digital surveillance software, and Netsweeper, a URL filtration system. There has been no official confirmation or denial by the government so far on the subject.

The group argued that apart from affecting internet access and privacy, web filtration systems affect internet connectivity and speed. Surveillance systems have also been used by governments to suppress social and political opinions.

According to media reports, the Netsweeper system that the government has installed costs millions of dollars. The rights group has also written to the Canadian government about the Canada-based Netsweeper Inc.

The applications have been filed under the Freedom of Information Ordinance 2002.