KARACHI: The Sindh High Court on Wednesday directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to enforce relevant law and rules to prevent and remove objectionable contents on social media platforms.

A two-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi also put the PTA, Federal Investigation Authority (FIA) and other respondents as well as deputy attorney general on notice for Feb 20.

Some YouTube vloggers moved the SHC and expressed their concerns against “objectionable, unethical, immoral and unlawful” contents being uploaded on social media platforms.

The counsel for petitioners contended that the PTA had the authority under the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act, 2016 and the Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content Rules, 2021 to remove and block any vulgar and unlawful contents and take appropriate action.

However, he stated that it was not taking prompt action and asked the SHC to issue directives to block objectionable content.

While issuing pre-admission notices to the respondents, the bench stated in the order, “In the meanwhile, respondents are directed to ensure that all the relevant law and rules relating to preventing, blocking and removing such objectionable and illegal online contents on above referred social media platforms shall be implemented and necessary action may be taken in accordance with law and report to this effect may be furnished on the next date.”

Published in Dawn, February 1st, 2024