The trial run of a new firewall has caused a slowdown in social media, raising concerns about the impact on internet-based businesses in Pakistan. Officials have assured that internet speeds will normalize once the trial is complete.
The government has allocated over Rs30 billion for the firewall’s development, which is being managed by a different agency than the Ministry of Information Technology, limiting its role to a mere facilitator.
The firewall, under development since January, is currently being commissioned and is expected to take several weeks. While its impact on businesses is a concern, the primary aim is to target social media influencers suspected of spreading misinformation, potentially reducing their content visibility. Influencers are also being prosecuted under the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act 2016.
Interestingly, a recent Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) advertisement invited tenders for additional firewalls, suggesting a separate procurement process, despite the existing Rs30 billion allocation.
The PTA clarified that this new tender is for firewalls intended solely for enhancing its own IT infrastructure security, distinct from the broader system being trialed.
