The order compels service providers to prevent any messages containing sexually explicit terms, as well as words like gay, lesbian, idiot, fart, headlights, Jesus Christ, butt, and tampon, as well as dozens ending with the suffix -ass.
According to the notification the order enacts a 1996 law allowing “false, fabricated, indecent or obscene” messages from being sent through the country’s information networks.
The order was made by Pakistan’s communications regulator, who said it was part of the organisation’s efforts to block spam messages across the mobile network. In the letter the regulator said that while the country’s constitution protects freedom of speech, such freedom was “not unrestricted.”
It added that the list is not finished and will be added to in the future.
The regulator has said it will monitor the number of blocked sms messages sent on a monthly basis, and will compel Pakistan’s mobile service providers to provide this data.
The country’s mobile operators have seven days to comply with the law. It is expected that they will be fined for each delivered sms which contains a proscribed word. Users who send a large number of messages with offensive terms will be cut off.
DPI involves giving everybody electricity & internet, making them sign up for digital ID, and…
Across industries, AI has been promised as the magic bullet, poised to solve different business…
How long until online misinformation and disinformation are considered cybercrimes? perspective The World Economic Forum…
Autonomous, AI-powered employees are set to begin roaming corporate networks sooner than expected, marking the…
Despite the ongoing fight to reduce, reuse and recycle plastics, when it comes to environmental…
Muddy Waters’ recent short report on AppLovin reads serious. Abuse, violations, an impending takedown. But…