Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA) has approached the top management of microblogging platform Twitter to immediately block and remove “malicious trends and tweets vilifying the superior judiciary,” a press release from the authority confirmed.
“Twitter has particularly been informed that the presence of such content and trends does not come under the definition of freedom of expression, and hence must be taken down instantly, as “Contempt of Court” is one of the categories that hold high priority for the Authority,” the notice read.
Twitter has also been directed to effectively and expeditiously respond to PTA’s requests for removal of “illegal and harmful” online content to avoid any legal action, it added.
“PTA remains committed to facilitate and support digital platforms provided they remain compliant with laws of the land,” the authority stated.
Last year, PTA had notified all global social media companies operating in Pakistan to fill a registration form to appoint a local representative and provide a local address, as prescribed under Rule 9(5) of the Removal and Blocking of Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguard) Rules, 2020. All major social media companies had refused to comply.
