The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has suggested a new set of rules that require all online services, such as YouTube, Netflix, and WhatsApp, to register in Pakistan. This idea is aimed at improving how these services are managed and making sure that the data of users in Pakistan is safe.
The 14-page outline, which can now be found on the PTA website, describes several important parts of the suggested system:
1. Required Local Enrollment: Every OTT service working in Pakistan has to sign up locally and get a 15-year permit from the PTA.
2. Data Storage in Pakistan: The system requires that all “personal information” of Pakistani users be kept only inside the country.
3. Watching and Managing: Different government departments will manage the checking and assessment of content on these platforms.
Malahat Obaid, a representative for the PTA, has said that the draft is available for people to give their thoughts and comments until July 101. This time lets people who care about digital rights and the public to share their views and worries about the new rules being suggested.
If the new rules are put into place, OTT services will have to follow rules for registering and storing data locally within one year. If they don’t, their services will be considered illegal in Pakistan. This change has caused discussions among people who support digital rights, as they believe it might lead to more control over what is shared online and could raise privacy issues.
People who fight for digital rights are worried about the PTA’s idea, thinking it shows a wish to have more control over what’s on the internet. Farieha Aziz, who started Bolo Bhi, a group that supports digital rights, said that something like this happened in 2020. The Islamabad High Court told the government to check if the 2021 Rules follow the constitution, but no changes have been done so far.
The Parent-Teacher Association’s suggestion to require local registration for online streaming services is a significant development in Pakistan’s digital rules. As people continue to share their thoughts on this, it’s not clear yet how these rules will change or what effects they will have on the digital environment in Pakistan.
