PTA Warns Against Spreading False, Hateful Content Online

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has warned social media users to immediately remove illegal, hateful, defamatory or misleading content, stressing that violations could lead to legal action under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016.

In a public advisory issued on Thursday, the PTA said that under Section 20 of PECA, knowingly spreading false information that harms an individual’s reputation or violates privacy constitutes a criminal offence.

The authority urged users to strictly refrain from creating, uploading or sharing such content and advised the public to avoid participating in narratives that undermine national integrity or damage the dignity of state institutions and individuals.

“Responsible digital conduct is a collective civic obligation,” the PTA stated.

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The advisory comes amid rumours circulating on social media on January 15 about a nationwide internet disruption. The PTA rejected the claims, clarifying that only routine submarine cable maintenance was underway and that internet services remained stable.

In recent months, users have repeatedly complained of slow internet speeds and disruptions. The PTA has attributed these issues to factors including undersea cable maintenance, spectrum limitations and security-related measures.

The report further noted that the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved the auction of 600 MHz spectrum, a move expected to improve internet speeds and facilitate the rollout of 5G services in the country.

In the past, online content has also been blocked or removed under PECA-related actions. According to media report, more than 44,000 social media accounts and posts were removed or blocked between January 2023 and June 2024 across platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and X.