The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has blocked 1,541,479 accounts, websites, videos and other content across various social media platforms as part of action against anti-state propaganda, unrest, terrorism, sectarianism, hate speech, blasphemous, defamatory and immoral content.

According to a detailed report submitted by the PTA to the Peshawar High Court, Facebook and TikTok topped the list in terms of violations on social media. Along with blocking objectionable content, several cases have also been registered under electronic crimes laws, while some suspects have been arrested.

According to the report, 15,356 accounts, websites, videos and other content on TikTok were blocked for being against security institutions and Pakistan’s defence. In addition, action was taken against 16,934 pieces of content related to unrest and terrorism, 5,433 related to blasphemy, 2,299 defamatory, 124,974 immoral, 3,859 hateful and 987 other pieces of content.

Thus, a total of 170,231 accounts, websites, videos and other content were blocked on TikTok.

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According to the PTA report, 229,508 pieces of content were blocked on Facebook, 74,236 on Twitter, 66,290 on YouTube, 44,951 on Instagram, 50,165 on WhatsApp and 891,772 on other social media platforms.

The report stated that several cases related to cyber and electronic crimes are pending before courts, while contempt of court petitions have also been filed in some cases.

The PTA said action against websites and other online content spreading unrest, lawlessness, sectarianism, immoral and anti-state material in society is ongoing.

According to the report, awareness sessions on the safe and responsible use of social media have been conducted for various institutions and colleges, as well as the vice chancellors of around 165 universities across the country.

The PTA said it is working with national and international stakeholders to promote the safe use of the internet and social media. It added that, in addition to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency is also working to prevent crimes and violations on social media.