PTA Blocks Over 44,000 Social Media Accounts and Posts Under PECA Law Since January 2023
Over 44,000 social media accounts and posts have been removed or blocked from Facebook, X [Twitter], and YouTube since January 2023, according to data from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) disclosed to The News that, under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, 44,418 unlawful social media accounts and posts were blocked or completely removed from various social media platforms.
The data shows that, from January 2023 to the present, Facebook had the highest number of content removals under the PECA law, followed by YouTube and X.
Specifically, 20,829 unlawful Facebook posts and accounts have been removed or blocked by the PTA. On YouTube, 12,776 posts, videos, or accounts were blocked or removed during this period. X saw 10,813 posts or accounts blocked or removed from the platform since January 2023.
The PECA law, enacted by the National Assembly in 2016, provides a comprehensive legal framework to define various kinds of electronic crimes and establishes mechanisms for their investigation, prosecution, and adjudication. A PTA source explained that under PECA 2016, the authority is empowered to remove or block online content if deemed necessary for reasons including the glory of Islam, the integrity, security, and defense of Pakistan, public order, decency, morality, or in relation to contempt of any court or commission.
In addition to these measures, X has faced significant challenges in Pakistan since February 2024. The platform has been largely inaccessible without a Virtual Private Network (VPN) since February 17, with only occasional instances where it works without one. Authorities have cited concerns over spreading misinformation and content deemed harmful to national security as reasons for the restrictions.
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