The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has taken a strong stand against online child exploitation by blocking more than 5,000 websites flagged by Interpol for hosting child sexual abuse material. This action is part of PTA’s efforts to make the digital space safer for children in Pakistan.
To make it easier for people to report such harmful content, PTA has launched a special “Child Abuse” category in its Complaint Management System (CMS). This system, equipped with a mobile app, allows users to file complaints easily and provides them with automated tracking IDs for updates. A dedicated team works to analyze these complaints, remove or block illegal content, and coordinate with social media platforms for swift action. PTA is also working closely with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to identify more such harmful websites for timely intervention.
In collaboration with the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) and UNICEF, PTA has prepared a detailed report called the “Situation Analysis of Child Online Protection in Pakistan.” The report examines the risks children face online, different forms of exploitation, and the challenges in regulating the digital environment. It also highlights gaps in the legal system and suggests improvements for better child protection.
To spread awareness among children, PTA has localized the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) initiative “Online Safety with Sango” into Urdu. This program uses fun and interactive lessons to teach kids about protecting their personal information and staying safe online. By making these lessons available in Urdu, PTA ensures that children across Pakistan can understand and adopt these safety measures easily.
PTA is also working with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to explore the introduction of parental control software at the network level. This software will help parents monitor and restrict their children’s online activities to create a safer digital environment. Discussions with industry stakeholders are ongoing to finalize this plan, which could protect children from inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and excessive screen time.
Although these measures are significant, PTA emphasizes that technology alone cannot solve all problems. A joint effort involving parents, schools, tech companies, and law enforcement agencies is necessary. PTA also highlights the importance of educating parents and enforcing strict penalties under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, to deter offenders.
By combining these actions with community awareness and strict enforcement, PTA aims to create a safer and healthier digital environment for children in Pakistan.
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