Firewall second trial completes with focus on blocking harmful online content

Authorities have successfully completed the second trial of a new firewall system designed to monitor and control content on social media platforms, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The firewall, installed on major Internet Service Providers (ISPs) across Pakistan, aims to restrict access to controversial content and limit the spread of propaganda.

According to the sources, the installation of this firewall has led to the immediate blocking of audio and video downloads from various social media apps. This action is part of a broader strategy to prevent the circulation of content deemed harmful to national security.

The firewall is equipped with deep packet inspection capabilities, allowing it to identify and filter specific types of data that pass through the network. This advanced technology enables the firewall to detect and block content that may be used to incite unrest or spread misinformation.

Additionally, social media accounts identified as being involved in propaganda activities can be blocked or restricted.

The installation of this firewall has also caused temporary disruptions in mobile signal and internet services, which are expected to return to normal within the next two to three days.

While the move has sparked debate among the public, with concerns about censorship and freedom of expression, officials maintain that the firewall is necessary to safeguard the country’s security interests.

The government has yet to release an official statement regarding the full scope of the firewall’s capabilities and the long-term plans for its use.

In other news, internet connectivity in Pakistan has been severely impacted due to a recent slowdown.

The Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP) reported a 30 to 40 per cent drop in internet speeds over the past few weeks, affecting businesses and individuals who rely on reliable connectivity.

Major platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp have also experienced disruptions.

While some speculate that a government-installed firewall is causing the issues, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) denies this claim.

The situation remains critical, with users facing outages primarily in cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.

Moreover, the internet slowdown in Pakistan, attributed to heightened surveillance, has severely impacted call centers, e-commerce professionals, and online businesses.

Many are considering relocating operations to countries with more stable internet services, raising concerns about Pakistan’s digital economy and global competitiveness.

Reporter Tayyab Saif