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in DRM Exclusive, News

PTA responds to RTI requests; unblocks Slate and Gizmodo websites

Hija KamranbyHija Kamran
March 20, 2020

March 20, 2020 — The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) has responded to the Right to Information (RTI) request filed by Media Matters for Democracy (MMfD) enquiring about the blocking of two online magazines, Slate (slate.com) and Gizmodo (gizmodo.com), on Pakistani networks.

PTA responds to RTI requests about blocking of Slate and Gizmodo in Pakistan

The blocking of Slate’s website on internet networks in Pakistan was noticed in December 2019. According to the data by NetBlocks and Open Observatory, the ban was in effect since November 2, 2019. Furthermore, Slate also confirmed at least 50 percent drop in the traffic from Pakistan. The inaccessibility of Gizmodo was noticed in early February 2020, after which the RTI requests were filed.

The requests enquired whether the blocking was in effect on orders of PTA, and on what grounds were they blocked. According to the response by PTA dated March 18, the block was, in fact, in place, and was ‘due to a technical fault’. The response further stated that the websites are accessible at present.

The unblocking of both websites was noticed on at least three major ISPs on March 17, 2020. While PTA’s response does not specify what technical errors caused the censorship, however, such arbitrary blocking of online content not only affects the freedom of the press, but also curtails people’s right to access information that global magazines like these host on their platforms.

Tags: CensorshipFreedom of ExpressionFreedom of Expression in PakistanGizmodoPakistanRight to InformationSlate
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About Digital Rights Monitor

This website reports on digital rights and internet governance issues in Pakistan and collates related resources and publications. The site is a part of Media Matters for Democracy’s Report Digital Rights initiative that aims to improve reporting on digital rights issues through engagement with media outlets and journalists.

About Media Matters for Democracy

Media Matters for Democracy is a Pakistan based not-for-profit geared towards independent journalism and media and digital rights advocacy. Founded by a group of journalists, MMfD works for innovation in media and journalism through the use of technology, research, and advocacy on media and internet related issues. MMfD works to ensure that expression and information rights and freedoms are protected in Pakistan.

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