The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has blocked the worldwide online encyclopedia service Wikipedia in Pakistan for not removing offensive and illegal content despite warnings from the PTA.
Officials said that Wikipedia was contacted to block or remove the said content by issuing notices under applicable laws and court orders, and provided an opportunity for a hearing, but the platform did not respond to the allegations. Moreover, it did not comply with the removal of the offending material and did not appear before the authorities.
Earlier, Wikipedia’s services were downgraded for the first 48 hours for willful non-compliance with the PTA’s directives and directed to block or remove the reported content. PTA clarified that the platform, in case of non-compliance, will be blocked within Pakistan and restrictions on the website will be reconsidered after blocking or removal of the reported illegal content,
Wikipedia has not followed the guidelines or removed the offending content during the PTA grace period, which has resulted in Wikipedia being blocked in the country. Officials have clarified that PTA is committed to ensuring a safe online experience for all Pakistani citizens in accordance with the country’s laws and regulations.