Pakistan’s Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has recently revealed its intention to improve its internet surveillance capabilities by upgrading its Web Monitoring System (WMS). As the country nears its general elections, there’s an expectation that these changes could lead to more internet outages.
The WMS is a system designed to keep an eye on online activities and uses advanced technology known as Deep Packet Inspection. This allows the PTA to regulate internet usage, including censoring content it deems inappropriate. This system, which cost around $18 million, was bought from a Canadian company called Sandvine in 2019.
A PTA spokesperson mentioned that the work to improve the WMS had begun in December 2023. They stated that the updates were necessary to follow court orders tackling internet content considered offensive, especially under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016.
On January 22nd, Ahmed Shamim Pirzada, who is in charge of the PTA, spoke to reporters about the recent internet slowdowns across the country. He attributed these issues to “technical glitches” caused by the software updates the PTA was carrying out.
However, Usama Khilji, a well-known advocate for digital rights, has expressed doubts about the PTA’s explanations. He finds them to be “inconsistent” and contradictory.
Khilji is challenging the PTA’s explanations, questioning whether the problem is with the undersea internet cables or with the telecom operators. He emphasizes that the telecom companies don’t have control over this; it’s the PTA that directly blocks content.
He also noted that these internet issues seemed to occur during online events by the political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Khilji highlighted that there were ample opportunities to perform this upgrade in the past, such as during the coalition government’s time from April 2022 to August 2023 or during the interim period when the caretaker government took over in August.
