The National Assembly has been informed that the PTA is actively employing the controversial Web Monitoring System to block online applications and websites within Pakistan. This Web Monitoring System is a key tool used by the PTA under the administrative control of the cabinet division, which was questioned about its procedures for blocking web applications.
In a written response dated 26 August 2024, the minister in charge clarified that under Section 37 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, the PTA is mandated to block “unlawful content.” The PTA has been using the Web Monitoring System for “internet content management” and has also submitted complaints to hosting platforms like Apple and Google for content removal. To date, the Web Monitoring System has been instrumental in blocking 469 mobile applications, including those related to indecent content and fraudulent activities.
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The Web Monitoring System, originally acquired from Canada-based Sandvine for $18.5 million in 2018, was upgraded in December 2023 and has been tested on internet submarine cables, leading to significant national internet slowdowns. The system uses Deep Packet Inspection technology to block VPN traffic and enable surveillance, although VPNs remain a challenge as they bypass the Web Monitoring System’s gateway-level blocks.
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The PTA, alongside the Ministry of Information Technology and other stakeholders, has been working on whitelisting VPNs, with 20,437 registered so far. The Web Monitoring System’s role in this process highlights the PTA’s ongoing efforts to manage and control internet content in Pakistan.
