Advertisement
Categories: NewsTech

Govt Installing National Firewall to Filter ‘Undesireable Content’ on Social Media

Advertisement

The Pakistani government is implementing a national firewall across various internet service providers (ISPs) to exert greater control over social media content. According to information from four different sources, this firewall aims to block undesirable content from reaching a wider audience.

A government official confirmed to The News that the firewall has already been purchased and is currently being installed and commissioned. Pakistan has previously used such technology, including Canada-based Netsweeper, to block websites and social media apps. However, this new firewall will inspect information originating from different internet protocol addresses.

The official explained that the national firewall will serve two main purposes: to identify sources of “propaganda material” and to block or limit the visibility of those sources. “The national firewall will serve two purposes: identify the locations from where the propaganda material is being originated and the subsequent blockade or diminished coverage of those accounts,” the official stated. The primary focus will be on locating the source of such propaganda to address it at its origin.

A keyword filtering system will be implemented to detect content deemed undesirable or a threat to national security, with such content likely being hidden from outside users. This system will be applied to major social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly known as Twitter).

Additionally, the government is preparing to prevent the misuse of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), potentially requiring citizens to inform the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) about the VPNs they are using. The government has already blocked the platform X for several months, leading many users to access it through VPNs.

Despite some pushback from the corporate community, the official claimed that the platform’s usage in Pakistan has been cut in half, from 4.5 million to 2.4 million users, and that the platform’s management has become more responsive to government demands, including blocking an account belonging to the Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Society.

Advertisement
News Desk

Recent Posts

US Fed Chair Nominee Rejects Trump Control in Confirmation Hearing

Donald Trump's chosen Federal Reserve leader, Kevin Warsh, emphasized during his confirmation hearing on Tuesday…

2 minutes ago

Europe Faces Difficult Summer Amid Iran Crisis, Fuel Shortages

The EU Energy Commissioner, Dan Jorgensen, has warned that the coming summer will be difficult…

1 hour ago

Fatima Fertilizer and Multan Sultans Celebrate Title Sponsorship with a Grand Meet & Greet in Karachi

Karachi, 20 April 2026: Fatima Fertilizer Company Limited, Title Sponsor of the Multan Sultans in…

1 hour ago

PTCL Group back into profits with Rs. 3.1 billion bottom-line in Q1 2026

Islamabad – April 21, 2026: Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), the country’s leading telecom and…

1 hour ago

NATO Intercepts Russian Jets Over Baltic Sea, Boosting Eastern Flank Air Power

NATO intercepted Russian strategic bombers and fighter jets that flew over the Baltic Sea on…

2 hours ago

Israeli Strikes in Gaza & West Bank Kill 11 Palestinians Amid Ongoing Hostilities

Israeli military operations and settler-related actions across Gaza and West Bank resulted in at least…

2 hours ago